South American Luna Moth vs New Zealand Yellow Admiral
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | South American Luna Moth | New Zealand Yellow Admiral |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Copaxa lavendera | Vanessa itea |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Saturniidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 90-120 mm wingspan | 45-55 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Mountains | Gardens |
| Diet | Herbivores | Fruit Feeders |
| Regions | Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia | Oceania (New Zealand, also Australia) |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
South American Luna Moth
A silkmoth with soft lavender-brown wings and prominent rounded eyespots. Its feathery antennae can detect female pheromones from great distances.
Did You Know?
Males can detect a single molecule of female pheromone from over a kilometer away using their elaborate feathered antennae.
New Zealand Yellow Admiral
A native New Zealand butterfly closely related to the red admiral but featuring prominent yellow-orange patches on its wings. It is widespread across both islands and is a common garden visitor. Adults are strong fliers and may occasionally migrate.
Did You Know?
Yellow admirals are one of the few New Zealand butterflies that occasionally make trans-Tasman crossings between Australia and New Zealand.