Japanese Giant Silkmoth vs Buck Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Japanese Giant Silkmoth | Buck Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Saturnia japonica | Hemileuca maia |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Saturniidae | Saturniidae |
| Size | 85-120 mm wingspan | 50-75 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Mountains | Heathland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Japan | Eastern North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Japanese Giant Silkmoth
A large reddish-brown moth with prominent eyespots on all four wings. It is endemic to Japan and closely related to the European Emperor Moth.
Did You Know?
It is considered a harbinger of spring in rural Japan, where it is called 'kusu-san'.
Buck Moth
A day-flying black and white moth with a red-tipped abdomen that appears in autumn. Its spiny caterpillar delivers a painful venomous sting that causes welts and swelling.
Did You Know?
In New Orleans, falling caterpillars are a seasonal hazard, prompting public health warnings each spring.