Helena Gum Moth vs Richmond Birdwing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Helena Gum Moth Richmond Birdwing
Scientific Name Opodiphthera helena Ornithoptera richmondia
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Saturniidae Papilionidae
Size 90-120 mm wingspan 11-13 cm wingspan
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Australia, Oceania Australia
Conservation Least Concern Vulnerable

Helena Gum Moth

A beautiful saturniid moth with pinkish-brown wings marked with bold eyespots. It is found in eucalyptus forests of southeastern Australia and is closely related to the Emperor Gum Moth.

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Did You Know?

Like all saturniid moths, adults have vestigial mouthparts and survive entirely on fat reserves accumulated during the larval stage.

Richmond Birdwing

A large subtropical birdwing butterfly with green and black males and brown females. It is threatened by habitat loss and a toxic introduced vine.

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Did You Know?

Larvae that accidentally feed on the invasive Dutchman's pipe vine are poisoned and die.