Pine White vs Saddleback Caterpillar Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pine White Saddleback Caterpillar Moth
Scientific Name Neophasia menapia Acharia stimulea
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Pieridae Limacodidae
Size 42-52 mm wingspan 26-35 mm wingspan
Habitat Mountains Orchards
Diet Nectar Feeders Omnivores
Regions Western North America Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Pine White

Delicate white butterfly with black forewing veins. Uniquely among pierids, larvae feed on conifer needles rather than broadleaf plants.

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Did You Know?

Periodic population explosions can defoliate large stands of ponderosa pine forest.

Saddleback Caterpillar Moth

A dark brown moth best known for its extraordinary caterpillar, which is bright green with a brown saddle-shaped marking and venomous spines. The sting causes intense burning pain.

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Did You Know?

Its sting is among the most painful of any North American caterpillar and can cause nausea in sensitive individuals.