Spotted Lanternfly vs Comet Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Spotted Lanternfly Comet Moth
Scientific Name Lycorma delicatula Argema mittrei
Order Hemiptera Lepidoptera
Family Fulgoridae Saturniidae
Size 25 mm 200 mm wingspan, 150 mm tail
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Sap Feeders Herbivores
Regions Asia, North America (invasive) Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Spotted Lanternfly

A colorful invasive planthopper from China threatening vineyards, orchards, and hardwood forests in North America. Adults have striking red hindwings revealed in flight.

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Did You Know?

Spotted lanternflies are such a threat that multiple US states have quarantine zones — citizens are legally instructed to kill any lanternfly they see on sight.

Comet Moth

One of the worlds largest silk moths, with brilliant yellow wings and tail spans reaching 20 cm. Endemic to Madagascar. Males have longer tails than females.

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Did You Know?

The comet moths spectacular 15-20 cm tail is the longest of any moth — and like the luna moth, it likely evolved to confuse bat echolocation.