Mitchell's Diurnal Cockroach vs Light Brown Apple Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mitchell's Diurnal Cockroach Light Brown Apple Moth
Scientific Name Polyzosteria mitchelli Epiphyas postvittana
Order Blattodea Lepidoptera
Family Blattidae Tortricidae
Size 30-40 mm 16-25 mm wingspan
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Orchards
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Australia Australia (native), New Zealand, Europe, North America (invasive)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Mitchell's Diurnal Cockroach

A large, flightless cockroach with a shiny dark blue-black body found in arid Australia. Unlike most cockroaches, it is active during the day.

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Did You Know?

Its bold daytime activity is thought to be possible because its dark, hard body deters predators.

Light Brown Apple Moth

A small variable brown moth native to Australia that has invaded several continents. It feeds on over 500 plant species, making it an exceptionally polyphagous pest.

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Did You Know?

It holds the record for the broadest known host-plant range of any tortricid moth.