Processionary Caterpillar Moth vs Swarm-Founding Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Processionary Caterpillar Moth | Swarm-Founding Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ochrogaster lunifer | Polybia paulista |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Notodontidae | Vespidae |
| Size | 35-45 mm wingspan | 10-15 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Fruit Feeders |
| Regions | Australia, Oceania | Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Processions of caterpillars can stretch for metres and contain hundreds of individuals following a silk trail left by the leader.
Swarm-Founding Wasp
A small dark social wasp that builds enclosed paper nests containing thousands of individuals. It is known for its aggressive colony defense.
Did You Know?
Its venom contains a peptide called Polybia-MP1 that has shown the ability to selectively destroy cancer cells in laboratory studies.