Red Admiral vs Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Red Admiral | Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Vanessa atalanta | Bunaea alcinoe |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Saturniidae |
| Size | 56-62 mm wingspan | 100-160 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Gardens | Underground |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, North America, North Africa, Asia | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Red Admiral
A bold black butterfly with red-orange bands and white spots, commonly seen in gardens. It is a strong migrant and occasional overwinterer.
Did You Know?
In autumn it is strongly attracted to fermenting fallen fruit and can become intoxicated on the alcohol.
Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth
A large emperor moth with reddish-brown wings bearing prominent eyespots. Larvae are gregarious and covered in branching spines.
Did You Know?
In parts of southern Africa, the large protein-rich caterpillars are harvested and eaten as mopane worm alternatives.