Gaboon Viper Caterpillar Moth vs Freija Fritillary
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Gaboon Viper Caterpillar Moth | Freija Fritillary |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lobobunaea phaedusa | Boloria freija |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Saturniidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 90-120 mm wingspan | 30-40 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Tundra & Arctic |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Central Africa (Cameroon, Gabon, DRC, Congo) | Alaska, northern Canada, Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, Siberia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Gaboon Viper Caterpillar Moth
A large saturniid moth with rich brown and reddish-purple wings bearing prominent eye-spots. The caterpillars are spectacularly spined and brightly colored. Adults do not feed and rely entirely on energy stored during the larval stage.
Did You Know?
The caterpillars have stinging spines that can cause severe skin irritation, protecting them from most predators.
Freija Fritillary
A medium-small fritillary with bright orange wings bearing black zigzag markings. The hindwing underside features a distinctive arrowhead pattern in white and brown. It has a rapid, low flight over tundra bogs.
Did You Know?
Named after the Norse goddess Freya, this butterfly is among the first to fly each spring in the boreal north.