Tomato Leafminer vs African Commodore Butterfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tomato Leafminer African Commodore Butterfly
Scientific Name Tuta absoluta Precis pelarga
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Gelechiidae Nymphalidae
Size 10-12 mm wingspan 45-55 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Grasslands
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions South America, Europe, Africa, Asia Southern Africa, East Africa
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Tomato Leafminer

A devastating South American moth that mines through tomato leaves, stems, and fruits. Since 2006, it has rapidly invaded Europe, Africa, and Asia.

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Did You Know?

It can complete up to 12 generations per year in tropical regions, allowing populations to explode rapidly.

African Commodore Butterfly

A medium-sized butterfly with warm orange-brown wings and subtle eyespots near the wing margins. It is common in open bushveld and grasslands.

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Did You Know?

Dry-season and wet-season forms look so different they were originally described as separate species.