Meadow Argus vs Helena Gum Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Meadow Argus Helena Gum Moth
Scientific Name Junonia villida Opodiphthera helena
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Nymphalidae Saturniidae
Size 4-5 cm wingspan 90-120 mm wingspan
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Forests
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands Australia, Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Meadow Argus

A medium-sized brown butterfly with prominent eyespots on each wing. It is one of Australia's most common and widespread butterflies.

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Did You Know?

The conspicuous eyespots on its wings are thought to startle predators or deflect attacks from the body.

Helena Gum Moth

A beautiful saturniid moth with pinkish-brown wings marked with bold eyespots. It is found in eucalyptus forests of southeastern Australia and is closely related to the Emperor Gum Moth.

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Did You Know?

Like all saturniid moths, adults have vestigial mouthparts and survive entirely on fat reserves accumulated during the larval stage.