Malagasy Emerald Moth vs Narcissus Bulb Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Malagasy Emerald Moth Narcissus Bulb Fly
Scientific Name Chrysiridia croesus Merodon equestris
Order Lepidoptera Diptera
Family Uraniidae Syrphidae
Size 50-65 mm wingspan 10-15 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Madagascar Europe, North America (introduced), Oceania (introduced)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Malagasy Emerald Moth

A day-flying uraniid moth closely related to the sunset moth but smaller, with iridescent green and gold scales across the wings. It shares the same host plants as C. rhipheus.

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Did You Know?

It was once considered a subspecies of the sunset moth before being elevated to full species status based on wing pattern and DNA analysis.

Narcissus Bulb Fly

A bumble bee-mimicking hoverfly that comes in multiple color forms matching different bumblebee species. Its larvae bore into and destroy daffodil and narcissus bulbs.

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Did You Know?

It exists in multiple color forms, each mimicking a different bumblebee species found in the same habitat.