Fall Webworm vs Achilles Morpho

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Fall Webworm Achilles Morpho
Scientific Name Hyphantria cunea Morpho achilles
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Erebidae Nymphalidae
Size 25-42 mm wingspan 95-120 mm wingspan
Habitat Grasslands Forests
Diet Herbivores Sap Feeders
Regions North America, Europe, Asia Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Fall Webworm

A native North American moth whose caterpillars build communal silk webs on tree branches. It has become invasive in Europe and Asia.

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Did You Know?

Unlike tent caterpillars, fall webworm nests enclose the foliage the larvae are feeding on.

Achilles Morpho

A medium-sized morpho with a bright blue band across dark brown-black wings. It flies rapidly through the forest understory in a distinctive bobbing pattern.

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Did You Know?

Its blue band appears to flash on and off as it flies, because the brown undersides show with each wingbeat.