Macrosoma hyacinthina vs Imported Cabbageworm

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Macrosoma hyacinthina Imported Cabbageworm
Scientific Name Macrosoma hyacinthina Pieris rapae
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Hedylidae Pieridae
Size 30-38 mm wingspan 45-50 mm wingspan
Habitat Mountains Gardens
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
Regions Central America, South America Worldwide
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Macrosoma hyacinthina

Small moth-butterfly with a subtle blue-violet sheen on fresh specimens. Named for the hyacinth-like coloring visible in certain light.

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Did You Know?

All 36 known hedylid species belong to the single genus Macrosoma, making it the smallest butterfly family.

Imported Cabbageworm

A common white butterfly whose velvety green caterpillars are among the most familiar vegetable garden pests. Adults are the small white butterflies frequently seen fluttering over gardens.

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Did You Know?

Despite being called a cabbageworm, it is actually a butterfly caterpillar, not a worm or moth larva.