Speckled Wood vs Hickory Horned Devil

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Speckled Wood Hickory Horned Devil
Scientific Name Pararge aegeria Citheronia regalis
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Nymphalidae Saturniidae
Size 40-45 mm wingspan 150 mm (caterpillar), 130-155 mm wingspan (adult)
Habitat Forests Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, North Africa, Central Asia North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Speckled Wood

Brown butterfly with cream or orange spots and small eyespots on hindwings. Males defend sunlit patches on the forest floor.

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Did You Know?

It is the only European butterfly that overwinters as either a caterpillar or a pupa.

Hickory Horned Devil

The largest caterpillar in North America at up to 150 mm, with dramatic curved horns and fearsome appearance. Despite looking terrifying, it is completely harmless.

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Did You Know?

Despite being the most terrifying-looking caterpillar in North America with its huge curved horns, the hickory horned devil is completely harmless — it cannot sting or bite.