Transparent Burnet Moth vs Swaine Jack Pine Sawfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Transparent Burnet Moth | Swaine Jack Pine Sawfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Methona confusa | Neodiprion swainei |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Diprionidae |
| Size | 55-65 mm wingspan | 6-9 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Forests |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | South America (Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia) | Eastern Canada, northeastern United States |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Transparent Burnet Moth
A delicate butterfly with almost entirely transparent wings bordered by dark brown and orange margins. It is part of a mimicry complex involving several toxic species. Its slow, floating flight and transparency make it difficult for predators to track.
Did You Know?
Its transparent wings make it extremely difficult for birds to pursue in flight because predators lose visual track of the nearly invisible insect against complex backgrounds.
Swaine Jack Pine Sawfly
A pine sawfly with strongly pectinate male antennae and sawfly females that are stouter and paler. Larvae are olive green with lighter stripes and feed on jack pine.
Did You Know?
Major outbreaks have historically defoliated millions of hectares of jack pine in Quebec, though populations crash when viral diseases sweep through colonies.