Pine Processionary vs Golden Birdwing
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Pine Processionary | Golden Birdwing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Thaumetopoea pityocampa | Troides aeacus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Notodontidae | Papilionidae |
| Size | 36-42 mm wingspan | 140-170 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Mountains |
| Diet | Omnivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Southern Europe, North Africa, Middle East | South and Southeast Asia, southern China |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern; listed on CITES Appendix II |
Pine Processionary
A grey moth whose caterpillars march in long nose-to-tail processions between their silk nests and feeding sites. The larvae's urticating hairs cause severe allergic reactions.
Did You Know?
Jean-Henri Fabre once tricked a procession into following itself in a circle for seven days without stopping.
Golden Birdwing
A large birdwing butterfly with velvety black forewings and brilliant golden-yellow hindwings. It is found across a wide range of Asian habitats from India to China.
Did You Know?
Like all birdwings, it is protected under international trade law, and collecting wild specimens is illegal in most countries.