Lesser Purple Emperor vs Dogwood Borer
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lesser Purple Emperor | Dogwood Borer |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Apatura ilia | Synanthedon scitula |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Sesiidae |
| Size | 54-68 mm wingspan | 18–23 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Orchards |
| Diet | Omnivores | Root Feeders |
| Regions | Central and southern Europe, temperate Asia | Eastern North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Lesser Purple Emperor
Similar to the Purple Emperor but smaller, with an ocellus on the forewing and more strongly marked underside. It occurs in two forms: typical purple and a golden-orange aberration.
Did You Know?
The orange form (f. clytie) was once thought to be a separate species before genetics proved otherwise.
Dogwood Borer
A clearwing moth whose larvae bore beneath the bark of dogwood, apple, and other trees. It is a significant pest of apple orchards on dwarfing rootstocks.
Did You Know?
It preferentially attacks the swollen graft unions on dwarf apple trees, which can kill productive orchard trees.