Sugarcane Borer vs Silver-washed Fritillary

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sugarcane Borer Silver-washed Fritillary
Scientific Name Diatraea saccharalis Argynnis paphia
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Crambidae Nymphalidae
Size 20-28 mm wingspan 54-70 mm wingspan
Habitat Farmland Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Americas Europe, Asia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Sugarcane Borer

A straw-colored moth whose larvae bore into sugarcane stalks, causing yield losses and allowing disease organisms to enter. It is the most important sugarcane pest in the Western Hemisphere.

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Did You Know?

The parasitoid fly Cotesia flavipes was introduced from Asia to control this borer and has been remarkably successful in Brazil.

Silver-washed Fritillary

A large, fast-flying butterfly with bright orange upperwings marked with black spots and streaks. The hindwing underside has distinctive silvery-green washed streaks.

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Did You Know?

Males perform a spectacular aerial courtship display, flying loops underneath the female while releasing pheromones from specialized wing scales.