Richmond Birdwing vs Imbrasia Silk Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Richmond Birdwing Imbrasia Silk Moth
Scientific Name Ornithoptera richmondia Imbrasia epimethea
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Papilionidae Saturniidae
Size 11-13 cm wingspan 90-130 mm
Habitat Forests Grasslands
Diet Nectar Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions Australia West and Central Africa
Conservation Vulnerable Least Concern

Richmond Birdwing

A large subtropical birdwing butterfly with green and black males and brown females. It is threatened by habitat loss and a toxic introduced vine.

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Did You Know?

Larvae that accidentally feed on the invasive Dutchman's pipe vine are poisoned and die.

Imbrasia Silk Moth

A large West African saturniid with reddish-brown wings bearing dark eyespots. Its caterpillars are among the most widely consumed edible insects in the Congo Basin.

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Did You Know?

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, caterpillars of Imbrasia epimethea are a staple food and are sold in markets throughout the country.