Indianmeal Moth vs Priamus Birdwing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Indianmeal Moth Priamus Birdwing
Scientific Name Plodia interpunctella Ornithoptera priamus
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Pyralidae Papilionidae
Size 16-20 mm wingspan 120-190 mm wingspan
Habitat Gardens Underground
Diet Fruit Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Worldwide Oceania (Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, northern Australia)
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Indianmeal Moth

The most common stored-product moth pest, recognized by its two-toned wings with copper outer halves. Larvae spin silk webbing over food surfaces as they feed.

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Did You Know?

Its common name comes from a report of it feeding on cornmeal, or 'Indian meal,' not from any connection to India.

Priamus Birdwing

A large and variable birdwing butterfly found across Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and parts of northern Australia. Males display vivid green and black wings. It is the most widespread species in the genus Ornithoptera.

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Did You Know?

This species shows extraordinary colour variation across its range, with over 100 subspecies described from different islands.