Orizaba Silk Moth vs Evergreen Bagworm Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Orizaba Silk Moth | Evergreen Bagworm Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rothschildia orizaba | Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Saturniidae | Psychidae |
| Size | 110-145 mm | Males 25 mm wingspan; females wingless and legless |
| Habitat | Forests | Gardens |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Mexico, Central America, southwestern United States | Eastern North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Orizaba Silk Moth
A magnificent New World silk moth with large reddish-brown wings bearing conspicuous triangular clear windows. It was historically reared for its silk in parts of Mexico.
Did You Know?
Indigenous peoples of Mexico once used the silk from Rothschildia orizaba cocoons to weave a coarse fabric, making it one of the few New World silk moths commercially utilized.
Evergreen Bagworm Moth
A North American bagworm whose larvae construct spindle-shaped bags covered in bits of leaves and twigs. Heavy infestations can completely defoliate and kill ornamental evergreen trees.
Did You Know?
The adult female is so reduced that she is essentially a bag of eggs with no wings, legs, eyes, or functional mouthparts.