Pallid Emperor Moth vs African Map Butterfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Pallid Emperor Moth | African Map Butterfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cirina forda | Cyrestis camillus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Saturniidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 60-80 mm wingspan | 45-55 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone) | West Africa, Central Africa, East Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Pallid Emperor Moth
A medium-sized saturniid moth with pale brownish-grey wings. The caterpillars, known as shea worms, feed on shea butter trees and are widely consumed in West Africa. Adults emerge synchronously at the start of the rainy season.
Did You Know?
The caterpillars are so important as food in West Africa that their harvest timing is traditionally regulated by village elders.
African Map Butterfly
A delicate white butterfly with fine dark lines across its wings resembling a map or circuit board. It rests with wings spread flat on leaves.
Did You Know?
Its translucent white wings and fine line pattern make it almost invisible when it rests on pale bark or lichen.