Philippine Atlas Moth vs Australian Painted Lady

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Philippine Atlas Moth Australian Painted Lady
Scientific Name Attacus lemairei Vanessa kershawi
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Saturniidae Nymphalidae
Size 200-280 mm wingspan 4-5 cm wingspan
Habitat Mountains Underground
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Southeast Asia (Philippines, primarily Luzon and Mindanao) Australia, New Zealand
Conservation Vulnerable Least Concern

Philippine Atlas Moth

A giant silk moth endemic to the Philippines with rich chestnut-brown wings and large transparent triangular windows near the wing tips. It closely resembles the common Atlas moth but has distinct wing patterns.

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Did You Know?

This species was only recognized as distinct from Attacus atlas in the late 20th century through careful study of wing pattern differences.

Australian Painted Lady

An orange, black, and white butterfly closely related to the cosmopolitan painted lady. It undertakes seasonal migrations across southeastern Australia.

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Did You Know?

Millions migrate northward in autumn in one of Australia's most impressive insect movements.