Gaboon Viper Caterpillar Moth vs Giant Termite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Gaboon Viper Caterpillar Moth | Giant Termite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lobobunaea phaedusa | Macrognathotermes sunteri |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Blattodea |
| Family | Saturniidae | Termitidae |
| Size | 90-120 mm wingspan | Workers 6-8 mm; soldiers up to 12 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Woodlands |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | Central Africa (Cameroon, Gabon, DRC, Congo) | Australia |
| 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.
Giant Termite
One of Australia's largest termite species with soldiers bearing massive curved mandibles. It builds large dome-shaped mounds in tropical woodland.
Did You Know?
Its soldiers have such powerful jaws they can draw blood if they bite a human finger.