Emperor Gum Moth vs Oak Slug Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Emperor Gum Moth Oak Slug Sawfly
Scientific Name Opodiphthera eucalypti Caliroa quercuscoccineae
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Saturniidae Tenthredinidae
Size 100-150 mm wingspan 4-5 mm (adult)
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Predators Herbivores
Regions Australia, Oceania North America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

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.

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Did You Know?

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

Oak Slug Sawfly

A slug-like sawfly larva that skeletonizes oak leaves in North America. Severe infestations cause browning of the canopy by midsummer.

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Did You Know?

The slimy larval coating deters most predators except for a few specialized parasitoid wasps.