Rothschildia Silk Moth vs Arctic Clouded Yellow

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Rothschildia Silk Moth Arctic Clouded Yellow
Scientific Name Rothschildia lebeau Colias tyche
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Saturniidae Pieridae
Size 100-140 mm wingspan 40-50 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Tundra & Arctic
Diet Omnivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Southwestern United States through Central America Arctic Russia, Siberia, northern Alaska, Yukon
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Rothschildia Silk Moth

A spectacular large moth with rich brown wings featuring prominent triangular translucent windows. The wing shape and pattern create an effective leaf-mimicry at rest.

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Did You Know?

The clear windows on its wings may serve to let light pass through, making it harder for predators to detect against the sky.

Arctic Clouded Yellow

A medium-sized butterfly with pale greenish-yellow wings and prominent dark borders. The underside has a silvery-white discal spot. It has a powerful, direct flight over open tundra landscapes.

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Did You Know?

This butterfly is so well adapted to the Arctic that it can fly in wind speeds that would ground most temperate butterflies.