Muslin Moth vs Puriri Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Muslin Moth | Puriri Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Diaphora mendica | Aenetus virescens |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Erebidae | Hepialidae |
| Size | 30-38 mm wingspan | 100-150 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Grasslands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Western Asia | Oceania (New Zealand - North Island) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Muslin Moth
A sexually dimorphic moth where males are dark smoky grey and females are pure white with black spots. The contrast between sexes is striking.
Did You Know?
Males and females look so different they were once classified as separate species.
Puriri Moth
New Zealand's largest moth, with a wingspan up to 150 mm. The caterpillars bore into the trunks of native trees, particularly puriri and putaputaweta, creating characteristic U-shaped tunnels. Adults have no functional mouthparts and do not feed.
Did You Know?
Puriri moth larvae can spend up to six years boring through living tree trunks before pupating and emerging as adults that live only a few days.