Golden-backed Snipe Fly vs Japanese Silk Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Golden-backed Snipe Fly Japanese Silk Moth
Scientific Name Chrysopilus thoracicus Antheraea yamamai
Order Diptera Lepidoptera
Family Rhagionidae Saturniidae
Size 8-12 mm Wingspan 110-150 mm
Habitat Woodlands Indoors
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Eastern North America Japan, Korea, China
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Golden-backed Snipe Fly

A striking fly with golden thoracic hairs and dark wings that rests head-down on foliage. Larvae are predators in soil and leaf litter.

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Did You Know?

It characteristically rests on vegetation with its head pointed downward, ready to pounce on passing prey.

Japanese Silk Moth

A large wild silk moth native to Japan with striking yellow-brown wings bearing prominent eyespots. Its silk was historically used to produce high-quality tensan fabric.

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Did You Know?

Its silk, called tensan, is naturally green-tinged and was reserved for Japanese imperial garments.