Scalloped Oak Moth vs Brazilian Railroad Worm

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Scalloped Oak Moth Brazilian Railroad Worm
Scientific Name Crocallis elinguaria Phrixothrix viviani
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Geometridae Phengodidae
Size 37-44 mm wingspan 20-40 mm (female), 10-14 mm (male)
Habitat Underground Grasslands
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, Western Asia South America, Brazil
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Scalloped Oak Moth

A warm ochre-yellow moth with a distinctive dark brown band across the forewings. It rests with wings pressed tightly together above its body.

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Did You Know?

Despite its name, the caterpillar feeds on many tree species beyond just oak.

Brazilian Railroad Worm

A tropical glowworm beetle with the remarkable ability to produce both green lateral lights and a red cephalic light. The female is large and larviform, while the male is a small, short-lived winged beetle.

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Did You Know?

The red and green lights are produced by different luciferases, making this beetle a subject of intensive biochemical research.