Cynthia Moth vs Saunders' Case Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cynthia Moth | Saunders' Case Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Samia cynthia | Metura saundersi |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Saturniidae | Psychidae |
| Size | 100-140 mm wingspan | Case up to 8 cm long; male moth 1.5-2 cm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Heathland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Native to China and India; introduced to North America and Europe | Australia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Cynthia Moth
An olive and brown silk moth with distinctive white crescent marks and lilac shading on the wing margins. Originally from Asia, it was widely introduced for eri silk production.
Did You Know?
Feral populations became established in New York City in the 1800s, thriving on the abundant ailanthus trees.
Saunders' Case Moth
A smaller relative of the large case moth that constructs a tapering case of silk and plant debris. Males are dark, short-lived moths while females remain in their cases.
Did You Know?
Each case is individually crafted and can take over a year to fully construct.