Zodiac Moth vs Twin-spot Centurion

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Zodiac Moth Twin-spot Centurion
Scientific Name Alcides metaurus Sargus bipunctatus
Order Lepidoptera Diptera
Family Uraniidae Stratiomyidae
Size 8-10 cm wingspan 8-13 mm
Habitat Forests Underground
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Australia, Papua New Guinea Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Zodiac Moth

A spectacular day-flying moth with iridescent green and black wings resembling a swallowtail butterfly. It migrates in large numbers through north Queensland rainforests.

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Did You Know?

Its brilliant green wing color is produced by microscopic light-refracting structures, not pigment.

Twin-spot Centurion

A metallic bronze-green soldier fly with two characteristic pale spots on the frons. It is one of the most common stratiomyids in Europe, found basking on ivy flowers in autumn.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the last flies to be active in autumn, still visiting ivy flowers well into November.