Priamus Birdwing vs Mottled Umber Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Priamus Birdwing Mottled Umber Moth
Scientific Name Ornithoptera priamus Erannis defoliaria
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Papilionidae Geometridae
Size 120-190 mm wingspan 35-45 mm wingspan (males)
Habitat Underground Orchards
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions Oceania (Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, northern Australia) Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Priamus Birdwing

A large and variable birdwing butterfly found across Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and parts of northern Australia. Males display vivid green and black wings. It is the most widespread species in the genus Ornithoptera.

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Did You Know?

This species shows extraordinary colour variation across its range, with over 100 subspecies described from different islands.

Mottled Umber Moth

A variably patterned brown moth where males range from pale to almost black. Females are completely wingless and resemble small spiders.

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Did You Know?

Wingless females attract mates by releasing pheromones from the trunk of their host tree.