Silver-spotted Ghost Moth vs Rainbow Leaf Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Silver-spotted Ghost Moth Rainbow Leaf Beetle
Scientific Name Sthenopis argenteomaculatus Chrysolina fastuosa
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Hepialidae Chrysomelidae
Size 60-75 mm wingspan 5-7 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Root Feeders Herbivores
Regions Eastern North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Silver-spotted Ghost Moth

A large ghost moth from North America with silver-spotted wings. Caterpillars bore into the roots of alder trees, taking two years to develop. Adults emerge for brief nocturnal mating flights.

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Did You Know?

Larvae spend up to two years boring through alder tree roots in waterlogged soil before pupating.

Rainbow Leaf Beetle

A metallic multicolored beetle with iridescent green, blue, and purple stripes.

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Did You Know?

Its rainbow coloration is produced by thin-film interference in its cuticle.