Peppered Moth of New Zealand vs Carpenterworm Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Peppered Moth of New Zealand | Carpenterworm Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cleora scriptaria | Prionoxystus robiniae |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Geometridae | Cossidae |
| Size | 30-40 mm wingspan | 40–75 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Forests |
| Diet | Herbivores | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand) | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Peppered Moth of New Zealand
An endemic New Zealand geometrid moth known as the kawakawa looper, whose caterpillars feed on kawakawa and other native plants. The caterpillars are expert twig mimics, holding themselves rigid at an angle from the branch. Adults have speckled grey wings.
Did You Know?
The kawakawa looper caterpillar is such an effective twig mimic that it can be almost impossible to detect on a branch, even when you know it is there.
Carpenterworm Moth
A large North American moth whose larvae bore into the heartwood of oaks, elms, and other hardwoods. It is the most destructive wood-boring moth in eastern forests.
Did You Know?
Larvae create tunnels up to 25 mm wide and take three to four years to complete development.