Douglas-fir Tussock Moth vs Ulysses Butterfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Douglas-fir Tussock Moth Ulysses Butterfly
Scientific Name Orgyia pseudotsugata Papilio ulysses
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Erebidae Papilionidae
Size 25-35 mm wingspan (males) 10-14 cm wingspan
Habitat Forests Underground
Diet Omnivores Nectar Feeders
Regions North America Australia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Douglas-fir Tussock Moth

A defoliator of Douglas-fir and true firs in western North America. Outbreaks cause severe defoliation and tree mortality in dry inland forests.

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Did You Know?

Females are flightless and lay their eggs directly on their cocoons.

Ulysses Butterfly

A large swallowtail with electric blue uppersides and cryptic brown undersides. It is an iconic symbol of tropical north Queensland tourism.

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Did You Know?

Males are strongly attracted to anything bright blue, including clothing and car paint.