Little Carpenterworm vs Chinese Windmill

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Little Carpenterworm Chinese Windmill
Scientific Name Prionoxystus macmurtrei Atrophaneura alcinous
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Cossidae Papilionidae
Size 25–45 mm wingspan Wingspan 75-100mm
Habitat Woodlands Underground
Diet Wood Feeders Herbivores
Regions Eastern North America Asia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Little Carpenterworm

A smaller relative of the carpenterworm moth that bores into oaks and other hardwoods. Larvae create long tunnels through the sapwood and heartwood.

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Did You Know?

Its tunnels reduce the commercial value of lumber and provide entry points for wood-decay fungi.

Chinese Windmill

A dark swallowtail butterfly with crimson patches on the hindwings and a slow fluttering flight. The body is red indicating toxicity.

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Did You Know?

Its slow fluttering flight resembles a windmill and advertises its toxicity acquired from poisonous aristolochia plants.