Kauri Moth vs Long-winged Conehead

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Kauri Moth Long-winged Conehead
Scientific Name Agathiphaga vitiensis Conocephalus discolor
Order Lepidoptera Orthoptera
Family Agathiphagidae Tettigoniidae
Size 8-12 mm wingspan 12-18 mm body
Habitat Forests Wetlands
Diet Seed Feeders Seed Feeders
Regions Oceania (Fiji, Vanuatu, Queensland) Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Kauri Moth

An extremely primitive moth considered a living fossil, with larvae that feed inside the seeds of kauri pine trees. It retains ancient features including functional mandibles in the adult stage. The family Agathiphagidae contains only two known species.

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Did You Know?

This moth is considered one of the most primitive living Lepidoptera, retaining mandibles that most moths and butterflies lost millions of years ago.

Long-winged Conehead

A slim green bush-cricket with a pointed head that has dramatically expanded its range northward in Britain. Produces a very high-pitched, barely audible song. Found in tall grass and rushes.

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Did You Know?

Its ultrasonic song is at such a high frequency that many people cannot hear it, even when the insect is nearby.