Vegetable Caterpillar vs Sunset Morpho
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Vegetable Caterpillar | Sunset Morpho |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ophiocordyceps robertsii | Morpho hecuba |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Hepialidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 50-100 mm (caterpillar plus fungal stalk) | 150-200 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Forests |
| Diet | Fungus Feeders | Fungus Feeders |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand) | South America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Vegetable Caterpillar
The host of this relationship is the caterpillar of the native moth Aenetus virescens, parasitized by the endemic Cordyceps fungus. The fungus invades and mummifies the caterpillar underground, then sends a fruiting body to the surface. It was known to Maori as awhato.
Did You Know?
Maori prized the vegetable caterpillar as a pigment source, grinding the fungus-caterpillar combination to produce a blue-black tattoo ink.
Sunset Morpho
The largest species in the morpho butterfly genus, with brownish-orange wings rather than the typical blue. Found in lowland South American rainforests.
Did You Know?
Unlike its famous blue relatives, the sunset morpho is brown and orange — its underside has striking owl-like eyespots that make it look like a much larger animal when resting.