Garden Carpet vs Goliath Birdwing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Garden Carpet Goliath Birdwing
Scientific Name Xanthorhoe fluctuata Ornithoptera goliath
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Geometridae Papilionidae
Size 22-28 mm wingspan 150-210 mm wingspan
Habitat Gardens Forests
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia Oceania (Papua New Guinea, Moluccas)
Conservation Least Concern Near Threatened

Garden Carpet

A very common garden moth with variable grey and white patterning. Double-brooded with adults flying from April to October. Larvae feed on various cruciferous plants including garlic mustard.

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Did You Know?

One of the most frequently recorded moths in garden moth traps across Britain.

Goliath Birdwing

One of the largest butterflies in the world, found in the rainforests of Papua New Guinea and nearby islands. Males are brilliantly coloured with green, yellow, and black markings. Females are larger but more subdued in colour.

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Did You Know?

Despite its enormous size, the Goliath birdwing is a powerful and graceful flier, often soaring high above the forest canopy.