Peppered Moth of New Zealand vs Malaysian Tree Termite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Peppered Moth of New Zealand | Malaysian Tree Termite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cleora scriptaria | Hospitalitermes hospitalis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Blattodea |
| Family | Geometridae | Termitidae |
| Size | 30-40 mm wingspan | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Forests |
| Diet | Herbivores | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand) | Malaysia, Indonesia, Borneo |
| 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.
Malaysian Tree Termite
A remarkable open-air foraging nasutitermine termite from Southeast Asian rainforests. Workers forage in exposed columns along tree trunks and branches to collect lichen and algae. Nasute soldiers line the edges of foraging columns to provide defense.
Did You Know?
Foraging columns can stretch over 100 meters through the forest canopy, with soldiers stationed at regular intervals along the exposed trail like sentries.