Speckled Emperor Moth vs Pea Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Speckled Emperor Moth | Pea Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gynanisa maja | Cydia nigricana |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Saturniidae | Tortricidae |
| Size | 90-120 mm wingspan | 12-15 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Gardens |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Southern Africa, East Africa | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Speckled Emperor Moth
A large earth-toned emperor moth with speckled brown and grey wings bearing clear eyespots. It is a common moth in southern African bushveld.
Did You Know?
The caterpillars are edible and are harvested alongside mopane worms as a traditional food source in rural areas.
Pea Moth
A small tortrix moth whose larvae feed inside pea pods. A significant pest of commercial and garden peas. Adults fly in June-July when peas are flowering.
Did You Know?
Finding a maggot in your fresh garden peas almost certainly means a pea moth larva has been at work.