Golden Sun Moth vs Green Christmas Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Golden Sun Moth Green Christmas Beetle
Scientific Name Synemon plana Anoplognathus prasinus
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Castniidae Scarabaeidae
Size 3-4 cm wingspan 18-25 mm
Habitat Grasslands Woodlands
Diet Root Feeders Root Feeders
Regions Australia Australia
Conservation Critically Endangered Least Concern

Golden Sun Moth

A day-flying moth with dull grey-brown forewings and brilliant orange-gold hindwings. It is critically threatened by the loss of native grasslands.

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Did You Know?

Larvae live underground feeding on grass roots for up to three years before emerging as adults that live only days.

Green Christmas Beetle

A metallic green scarab beetle found in eucalypt woodlands of eastern Australia. Adults emerge in large numbers during the warm summer months.

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Did You Know?

Heavy infestations can completely defoliate mature eucalyptus trees in a single season.