Arctic Woolly Bear Caterpillar Moth vs Golden-backed Snipe Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Arctic Woolly Bear Caterpillar Moth | Golden-backed Snipe Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gynaephora rossii | Chrysopilus thoracicus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Erebidae | Rhagionidae |
| Size | 28-38 mm wingspan | 8-12 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Woodlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Canadian Arctic, Alaska, northern Siberia | Eastern North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Arctic Woolly Bear Caterpillar Moth
A close relative of the Greenland woolly bear, this moth has pale gray wings and a densely furred body. The caterpillar is covered in long dark hairs and freezes solid each winter. Adults have reduced mouthparts.
Did You Know?
This moth's caterpillar is parasitized at very high rates by ichneumon wasps, which may extend its already decade-long development even further.
Golden-backed Snipe Fly
A striking fly with golden thoracic hairs and dark wings that rests head-down on foliage. Larvae are predators in soil and leaf litter.
Did You Know?
It characteristically rests on vegetation with its head pointed downward, ready to pounce on passing prey.