Peppered Moth of New Zealand vs Giant Red-winged Grasshopper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Peppered Moth of New Zealand | Giant Red-winged Grasshopper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cleora scriptaria | Tropidacris cristata |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Orthoptera |
| Family | Geometridae | Acrididae |
| Size | 30-40 mm wingspan | 90-120 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Farmland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand) | Central America, South America, Caribbean |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Giant Red-winged Grasshopper
One of the largest grasshoppers in the world, with a wingspan exceeding 20 cm. Its hindwings are vivid red with a dark border.
Did You Know?
At over 12 cm long, it is frequently mistaken for a small bird when it takes flight and reveals its enormous red wings.