Emperor Moth vs Giant Water Strider

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Emperor Moth Giant Water Strider
Scientific Name Saturnia pavonia Gigantometra gigas
Order Lepidoptera Hemiptera
Family Saturniidae Gerridae
Size 55-85 mm wingspan 18-24 mm body, 250 mm leg span
Habitat Heathland Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, temperate Asia Vietnam, Southern China, Southeast Asia
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

Emperor Moth

Europe's only native member of the giant silk moth family, with prominent eyespots on all four wings. Males are colourful day-fliers while females are larger and nocturnal.

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Did You Know?

Males can detect a virgin female's scent from over a mile away using their huge feathered antennae.

Giant Water Strider

The largest water strider in the world, found in Southeast Asian streams. Its leg span can reach over 25 cm across the water surface.

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Did You Know?

With a leg span exceeding 25 centimeters, it is the undisputed giant of the water strider world.