Vapourer Moth vs Bioluminescent Fungus Gnat

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Vapourer Moth Bioluminescent Fungus Gnat
Scientific Name Orgyia antiqua Keroplatus testaceus
Order Lepidoptera Diptera
Family Erebidae Keroplatidae
Size 25-35 mm wingspan (males only) 8-12 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Fungus Feeders
Regions Europe, temperate Asia, North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Near Threatened

Vapourer Moth

A moth in which males are russet-brown day-fliers while females are completely wingless and never leave their cocoon. Females lay eggs directly on their own pupal case.

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Did You Know?

The flightless female produces a powerful pheromone that attracts males from great distances to her cocoon.

Bioluminescent Fungus Gnat

A remarkable fungus gnat whose larvae create bioluminescent webs on bracket fungi. The blue-green glow attracts prey insects. One of the few bioluminescent insects outside fireflies.

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Did You Know?

Larvae glow in the dark, creating eerie blue-green patches on bracket fungi in dark forests.