Goatweed Leafwing vs Gypsy Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Goatweed Leafwing | Gypsy Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anaea andria | Lymantria dispar |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Erebidae |
| Size | 55-75 mm wingspan | 37-62 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Farmland | Woodlands |
| Diet | Dung Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Central and Eastern United States, northern Mexico | Europe, Asia, North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Goatweed Leafwing
A bright orange butterfly whose angular wing shape and mottled brown underside create a perfect dead-leaf disguise when at rest. It almost never visits flowers.
Did You Know?
It overwinters as an adult, hiding among dead leaves where its camouflage makes it virtually invisible.
Gypsy Moth
A sexually dimorphic moth where males are brown and can fly, while females are white with dark markings and are flightless. Caterpillars are voracious defoliators.
Did You Know?
A single caterpillar can eat up to one square meter of leaves during its development, and outbreaks can strip entire forests bare.