Emperor Gum Moth vs Fan-foot Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Emperor Gum Moth Fan-foot Moth
Scientific Name Opodiphthera eucalypti Zanclognatha tarsipennalis
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Saturniidae Erebidae
Size 100-150 mm wingspan 26-32 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Predators Herbivores
Regions Australia, Oceania Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Emperor Gum Moth

A large and attractive native moth with prominent eyespots on each wing that serve as a startle defence against predators. It is one of the largest moths in southern Australia.

💡

Did You Know?

The large eyespots on its wings are thought to mimic the eyes of an owl, frightening away potential bird predators.

Fan-foot Moth

A subtle brown moth with fan-shaped palps and delicate wing markings. Found in woodland where dead leaves accumulate. Larvae feed on dead leaves on the woodland floor.

💡

Did You Know?

The males have distinctive enlarged fan-shaped labial palps that give this moth its common name.