Conogethes punctiferalis (Guenée) is a polyphagous pest that causes serious damage to a variety of fruit trees and crops such as corn, in China, whereas C. pinicolalis Inoue and Yamanaka is an oligophagous pest that mainly feeds on the pine family, including Pinus massoniana Lamb, causing serious damage to forestry production. Because these two pests are sibling species with similar morphology from the egg to adult stage, they are often mistaken for the same species, which is not conducive to accurate prediction and forecasting or effective prevention and control. This study presents a comparative analysis of the biological, morphological and molecular biological characteristics of both species based on our research and a literature review. We also make suggestions for future research, including research on monitoring, early warning and methods of controlling these two pests.