South American Locust vs American Moth-Butterfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | South American Locust | American Moth-Butterfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Schistocerca cancellata | Macrosoma heliconiaria |
| Order | Orthoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Acrididae | Hedylidae |
| Size | 45-65 mm | 38-45 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Forests |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay | Central America, South America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
South American Locust
A major swarming locust of South America closely related to the desert locust. It periodically forms devastating swarms across Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay.
Did You Know?
After decades of suppression, this species made an unexpected resurgence in Argentina in 2015, forming swarms not seen since the 1950s.
American Moth-Butterfly
Pale greenish-gray moth-like butterfly with rounded wings and nocturnal habits. Represents the evolutionary link between butterflies and moths.
Did You Know?
Despite looking like moths, DNA evidence confirms hedylids are true butterflies within Papilionoidea.