Little Carpenterworm vs Golden Sun Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Little Carpenterworm Golden Sun Moth
Scientific Name Prionoxystus macmurtrei Synemon plana
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Cossidae Castniidae
Size 25–45 mm wingspan 3-4 cm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Grasslands
Diet Wood Feeders Root Feeders
Regions Eastern North America Australia
Conservation Not Evaluated Critically Endangered

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.

Golden Sun Moth

A day-flying moth with dull grey-brown forewings and brilliant orange-gold hindwings. It is critically threatened by the loss of native grasslands.

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Did You Know?

Larvae live underground feeding on grass roots for up to three years before emerging as adults that live only days.