Madagascan Sunset Moth vs Ordinate Large-headed Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Madagascan Sunset Moth Ordinate Large-headed Bee
Scientific Name Chrysiridia rhipheus Ctenocolletes ordensis
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Uraniidae Stenotritidae
Size 70-90 mm wingspan 10-13 mm
Habitat Forests Heathland
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Africa Northern Western Australia
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

Madagascan Sunset Moth

Often considered the most beautiful insect in the world. Its rainbow-colored wings with metallic hues are caused by optical interference, not pigments. Day-flying moth.

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Did You Know?

The Madagascan sunset moth was originally mistaken for a butterfly due to its brilliant colors and daytime activity — it was first scientifically described from a specimen bought in a London shop.

Ordinate Large-headed Bee

A rarely collected bee from the Kimberley region of northern Western Australia. It is known from very few specimens and its biology remains largely unstudied.

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Did You Know?

So few specimens have been collected that almost nothing is known about its nesting behavior or floral preferences.