Tawny Emperor vs Giant Dobsonfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Tawny Emperor | Giant Dobsonfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Asterocampa clyton | Acanthacorydalis fruhstorferi |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Megaloptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Corydalidae |
| Size | 40-65 mm wingspan | 60-90 mm body, 210 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Dung Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Eastern and Central North America | Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Data Deficient |
Tawny Emperor
A warm tawny-brown butterfly with dark bars and a row of small eyespots on the hindwing. Unlike most butterflies, it rarely visits flowers, preferring tree sap and rotting fruit.
Did You Know?
It is strongly attracted to human perspiration and will readily land on sweaty hikers.
Giant Dobsonfly
The largest aquatic insect in the world by wingspan, found in streams in Vietnam and China. Males have enormous mandibles resembling reindeer antlers.
Did You Know?
With a wingspan of 21 cm, this is the worlds largest aquatic insect — its bizarre mandibles resemble reindeer antlers and are used exclusively for grappling rival males.