Large White vs Hercules Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Large White | Hercules Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pieris brassicae | Coscinocera hercules |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Pieridae | Saturniidae |
| Size | 58-63 mm wingspan | 270 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Farmland | Forests |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, Africa | Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Large White
A common white butterfly with black wingtips and one or two black spots on the forewing. Its green-yellow caterpillars are a major agricultural pest of brassica crops.
Did You Know?
The caterpillars sequester mustard oils from their food plants and can spray these noxious chemicals at attacking predators.
Hercules Moth
Has the largest wing area of any moth — up to 300 square centimeters. Named after Hercules for its great size. Adults live only about two weeks and do not eat.
Did You Know?
The Hercules moth has the largest wing surface area of any insect on Earth — its wings can cover an area larger than an open human hand.