Malagasy Processionary Moth vs Pergid Sawfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Malagasy Processionary Moth | Pergid Sawfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anaphe madagascariensis | Perga affinis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Notodontidae | Pergidae |
| Size | 40-55 mm wingspan | 15-20 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Woodlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Madagascar | Eastern Australia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Malagasy Processionary Moth
A pale silky white moth whose caterpillars march in long head-to-tail processions through the forest. The larvae are covered in irritating urticating hairs.
Did You Know?
The caterpillars spin communal silk nests and march in lines of dozens of individuals, each following silk trails laid by the leader.
Pergid Sawfly
An Australian sawfly whose larvae form dense defensive clusters called spitfires on eucalyptus trees. When threatened, larvae rear up and regurgitate eucalyptus oil.
Did You Know?
Larvae tap their tails on the branch in unison to signal the group to move to fresh leaves.