Dogwood Borer vs Chinese Windmill

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dogwood Borer Chinese Windmill
Scientific Name Synanthedon scitula Atrophaneura alcinous
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Sesiidae Papilionidae
Size 18–23 mm wingspan Wingspan 75-100mm
Habitat Orchards Underground
Diet Root Feeders Herbivores
Regions Eastern North America Asia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Dogwood Borer

A clearwing moth whose larvae bore beneath the bark of dogwood, apple, and other trees. It is a significant pest of apple orchards on dwarfing rootstocks.

💡

Did You Know?

It preferentially attacks the swollen graft unions on dwarf apple trees, which can kill productive orchard trees.

Chinese Windmill

A dark swallowtail butterfly with crimson patches on the hindwings and a slow fluttering flight. The body is red indicating toxicity.

💡

Did You Know?

Its slow fluttering flight resembles a windmill and advertises its toxicity acquired from poisonous aristolochia plants.