South American Clearwing Moth vs Golden Emperor

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute South American Clearwing Moth Golden Emperor
Scientific Name Carmenta theobromae Loepa megacore
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Sesiidae Saturniidae
Size 18-25 mm wingspan Wingspan 90-120mm
Habitat Farmland Mountains
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela Asia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

South American Clearwing Moth

A small wasp-mimicking clearwing moth with transparent wings and a banded black-and-yellow abdomen. It is a significant pest of cacao trees in South America.

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Did You Know?

Its resemblance to a stinging wasp is so convincing that even experienced entomologists sometimes mistake it for one in the field.

Golden Emperor

A bright golden-yellow silk moth with maroon eyespots ringed in black on each wing. It has a fluffy golden body and feathery antennae.

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Did You Know?

Its intense golden color is among the brightest of any moth and is visible even in dim forest light at dusk.