Diamondback Moth vs Swallow-tailed Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Diamondback Moth Swallow-tailed Moth
Scientific Name Plutella xylostella Ourapteryx sambucaria
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Plutellidae Geometridae
Size 12-15 mm wingspan 50-62 mm wingspan
Habitat Farmland Underground
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
Regions Worldwide Europe, temperate Asia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Diamondback Moth

A tiny grayish moth with a diamond-shaped pattern along its back when wings are folded. It is the most destructive pest of brassica crops worldwide.

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Did You Know?

It costs the global agriculture industry an estimated four to five billion dollars annually in losses and control measures.

Swallow-tailed Moth

A large, pale lemon-yellow moth with pointed tail-like projections on its hindwings. Its graceful shape and colour make it one of the most elegant geometrid moths.

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Did You Know?

Despite its butterfly-like tail extensions, it is a true moth and is strongly attracted to light.