Madagascan Moon Moth vs Frit Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Madagascan Moon Moth | Frit Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Argema mittrei male form | Oscinella frit |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Saturniidae | Chloropidae |
| Size | 200 mm wingspan with 150 mm tails | 1.5-2 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Farmland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Madagascar | Europe, temperate worldwide |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Madagascan Moon Moth
The male form has exceptionally long tail streamers that can exceed 15 cm. These tails spin in flight, confusing bat echolocation.
Did You Know?
The spinning tail streamers deflect bat attacks away from the moth's body.
Frit Fly
A tiny fly that is a major pest of oat crops and ryegrass. Larvae bore into plant stems causing 'dead heart'. Named from the Swedish word for grain. Multiple generations per year.
Did You Know?
Despite being only 1.5mm long, it can destroy entire crops of oats by killing the growing shoot inside each stem.