Processionary Caterpillar Moth vs Southern Snout Butterfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Processionary Caterpillar Moth Southern Snout Butterfly
Scientific Name Ochrogaster lunifer Libytheana carinenta
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Notodontidae Nymphalidae
Size 35-45 mm wingspan 40-50 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Australia, Oceania Southern United States through Central and South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Processionary Caterpillar Moth

A moth whose caterpillars are famous for travelling in long, nose-to-tail processions through the Australian bush. The larvae are covered in irritating hairs that can cause severe allergic reactions in humans.

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Did You Know?

Processions of caterpillars can stretch for metres and contain hundreds of individuals following a silk trail left by the leader.

Southern Snout Butterfly

A medium-sized butterfly with an extremely elongated snout formed by its labial palps, giving it a unique beak-like profile. Its angular orange and brown wings resemble dead leaves.

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Did You Know?

Spectacular mass migrations of millions of individuals sometimes darken the skies in Texas.