Pine Emperor Moth vs Striped Turnip Flea Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pine Emperor Moth Striped Turnip Flea Beetle
Scientific Name Imbrasia cytherea Phyllotreta undulata
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Saturniidae Chrysomelidae
Size 100-140 mm 1.5-2.5 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions Southern Africa, East Africa Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Pine Emperor Moth

A large South African emperor moth with brown and cream banded wings. Its caterpillars can become significant defoliators of pine plantations in southern Africa.

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Did You Know?

Pine emperor moth caterpillars occasionally undergo population explosions that can completely defoliate large areas of commercial pine plantation.

Striped Turnip Flea Beetle

A tiny flea beetle with sinuous yellow stripes that is a significant pest of brassica seedlings. Shothole damage to leaves is characteristic. One of several damaging Phyllotreta species.

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Did You Know?

Emerging seedlings can be destroyed overnight by large numbers of these tiny beetles creating characteristic shot-holes.