Hickory Horned Devil vs Wood White
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Hickory Horned Devil | Wood White |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Citheronia regalis | Leptidea sinapis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Saturniidae | Pieridae |
| Size | 150 mm (caterpillar), 130-155 mm wingspan (adult) | 36-48 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Meadows |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | North America | Europe, western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Hickory Horned Devil
The largest caterpillar in North America at up to 150 mm, with dramatic curved horns and fearsome appearance. Despite looking terrifying, it is completely harmless.
Did You Know?
Despite being the most terrifying-looking caterpillar in North America with its huge curved horns, the hickory horned devil is completely harmless — it cannot sting or bite.
Wood White
A delicate, fluttery butterfly with rounded white wings and a small grey wingtip patch. It has a weak, dancing flight close to the ground.
Did You Know?
It was recently discovered to be a complex of three cryptic species indistinguishable by appearance alone.