White Witch Moth vs Common Birdwing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute White Witch Moth Common Birdwing
Scientific Name Thysania agrippina Troides helena
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Erebidae Papilionidae
Size 250-310 mm wingspan Wingspan 140-190mm
Habitat Forests Wetlands
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions Central America, South America Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

White Witch Moth

Holds the record for the widest wingspan of any moth or butterfly at up to 310 mm. A nocturnal neotropical species with pale grey-white wings and wavy dark markings.

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Did You Know?

With a wingspan up to 31 cm, the white witch moth has the widest wingspan of any living insect — broader than a dinner plate and rivaling small birds in flight.

Common Birdwing

A large birdwing butterfly with velvety black forewings and bright golden-yellow hindwings in males. Females are larger and browner.

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Did You Know?

Despite being common it is listed under CITES Appendix II which regulates its international trade.