Wallacea Giant Bee vs Brazilian Thorn Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Wallacea Giant Bee | Brazilian Thorn Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Megachile pluto | Cyanopepla huillensis |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Megachilidae | Erebidae |
| Size | 23-39 mm | 35-50 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Forests |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Asia | South America (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay) |
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Wallacea Giant Bee
The worlds largest bee at 39 mm long with a 63 mm wingspan. Thought extinct for 38 years until rediscovered in Indonesia in 2019. Nests inside active termite mounds.
Did You Know?
Wallace giant bee was not seen alive by a scientist for 38 years — when rediscovered in 2019, it was found nesting inside active termite mounds, using tree resin to waterproof its cells.
Brazilian Thorn Moth
A day-flying moth with brilliant metallic blue forewings and bright red or orange hindwings, warning predators of its toxicity. It mimics various toxic butterflies and wasps. Despite being a moth, it is active during daylight hours and visits flowers for nectar.
Did You Know?
It is one of many day-flying moths in the Neotropics that are frequently mistaken for butterflies due to their bright colors and diurnal habits.