Hercules Moth of South America vs Lined Tiger Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hercules Moth of South America Lined Tiger Moth
Scientific Name Copaxa multifenestrata Grammia virgo
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Saturniidae Arctiidae
Size 100-130 mm wingspan 55-75 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Meadows
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions South America (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru) Eastern and Central North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Hercules Moth of South America

A large silk moth with brown wings bearing multiple translucent windows that give it its species name. The wing margins are scalloped and the body is densely furred. It is found in Andean cloud forests where adults fly at night and are attracted to lights.

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Did You Know?

The transparent windows in its wings may serve to break up the moth's silhouette, confusing bat echolocation and helping it avoid predation.

Lined Tiger Moth

A boldly patterned moth with black forewings bearing thin cream stripes and bright pinkish-red hindwings with black patches. It is one of the largest North American tiger moths.

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Did You Know?

When threatened, it emits a frothy yellow fluid from glands behind its head that contains noxious chemicals.