Hag Moth vs Rothschildia Silk Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Hag Moth | Rothschildia Silk Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phobetron pithecium | Rothschildia lebeau |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Limacodidae | Saturniidae |
| Size | 20-28 mm wingspan | 100-140 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Orchards | Forests |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Southwestern United States through Central America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Hag Moth
A furry brown moth whose larva is called the monkey slug due to its bizarre shape with curly fleshy lateral projections. The caterpillar looks nothing like a typical lepidopteran larva.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar's curly brown appendages are thought to mimic a shed tarantula skin to deter predators.
Rothschildia Silk Moth
A spectacular large moth with rich brown wings featuring prominent triangular translucent windows. The wing shape and pattern create an effective leaf-mimicry at rest.
Did You Know?
The clear windows on its wings may serve to let light pass through, making it harder for predators to detect against the sky.