Larder Beetle vs White Witch Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Larder Beetle White Witch Moth
Scientific Name Dermestes lardarius Thysania agrippina
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Dermestidae Erebidae
Size 6-10 mm 250-310 mm wingspan
Habitat Gardens Forests
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Worldwide Central America, South America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Larder Beetle

A dark brown beetle with a pale band across its elytra, commonly found in stored food products. Larvae are covered in bristly hairs.

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Did You Know?

Forensic entomologists use its presence on remains to help estimate time of death.

White Witch Moth

Holds the record for the widest wingspan of any moth or butterfly at up to 310 mm. A nocturnal neotropical species with pale grey-white wings and wavy dark markings.

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Did You Know?

With a wingspan up to 31 cm, the white witch moth has the widest wingspan of any living insect — broader than a dinner plate and rivaling small birds in flight.