Feather-Legged Assassin Bug vs Spiny Oakworm Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Feather-Legged Assassin Bug | Spiny Oakworm Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ptilocnemus lemur | Anisota stigma |
| Order | Hemiptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Reduviidae | Saturniidae |
| Size | 10-14 mm | 45-65 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Woodlands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Australia | Eastern North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Feather-Legged Assassin Bug
An Australian assassin bug with bizarre feathery hind legs used to lure ant prey. It waves its feathered legs near ant trails to attract victims.
Did You Know?
It dangles its feathery hind legs like fishing lures to attract ants, which it then seizes and devours.
Spiny Oakworm Moth
A medium-sized saturniid with rich orange-brown wings bearing a small white discal spot. Males are darker and smaller than females, with more feathery antennae.
Did You Know?
The spiny oakworm caterpillar is covered in sharp branching spines that can cause a mild irritation to the skin when handled carelessly.