Lichen Moth of New Zealand vs Formosa Long-armed Scarab

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lichen Moth of New Zealand Formosa Long-armed Scarab
Scientific Name Declana floccosa Cheirotonus formosanus
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Geometridae Euchirinae
Size 35-50 mm wingspan 40-60 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Herbivores Sap Feeders
Regions Oceania (New Zealand) Taiwan
Conservation Least Concern Endangered

Lichen Moth of New Zealand

A beautifully camouflaged moth endemic to New Zealand that resembles a patch of lichen when resting on bark. Both the wings and body are patterned with greens, greys, and whites that perfectly mimic lichen. It is found in native forests throughout the country.

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Did You Know?

This moth's lichen-like camouflage is so convincing that it even has raised scale tufts on its wings that mimic the three-dimensional texture of lichen.

Formosa Long-armed Scarab

A rare Taiwanese scarab with elongated forelimbs and a dark chestnut-brown body. It is found only in old-growth mountain forests on the island.

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Did You Know?

Illegal collecting for the pet trade has made this one of the most threatened beetles in East Asia.