South African Dobsonfly vs Six-spot Burnet

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute South African Dobsonfly Six-spot Burnet
Scientific Name Taeniochauliodes ochraceus Zygaena filipendulae
Order Megaloptera Lepidoptera
Family Corydalidae Zygaenidae
Size 25-40 mm body 30-40 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Beaches & Coastal
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Africa Europe, western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

South African Dobsonfly

A large dobsonfly from southern African rivers with broad amber-tinged wings.

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Did You Know?

Its hellgrammite larvae are important predators in South African freshwater ecosystems.

Six-spot Burnet

A day-flying moth with metallic blue-black forewings bearing six crimson spots. Its bright colours warn predators of its cyanide-based chemical defences.

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Did You Know?

Both the larvae and adults contain hydrogen cyanide, making them highly toxic to predators.