Hercules Moth of South America vs Orange-barred Sulphur

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hercules Moth of South America Orange-barred Sulphur
Scientific Name Copaxa multifenestrata Phoebis philea
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Saturniidae Pieridae
Size 100-130 mm wingspan Wingspan 67-80mm
Habitat Forests Underground
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions South America (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru) North America, South 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.

Orange-barred Sulphur

A large bright yellow butterfly with orange bar markings on the upper forewings. Females are more muted with reddish markings.

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Did You Know?

Males patrol large territories and engage in spiraling aerial battles with rivals that can last several minutes.