Argent and Sable Moth vs Japanese Horntail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Argent and Sable Moth Japanese Horntail
Scientific Name Rheumaptera hastata Eriotremex formosanus
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Geometridae Siricidae
Size 28-34 mm wingspan 20-35 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Wood Feeders
Regions Northern Europe East Asia, Taiwan, introduced to southeastern United States
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Argent and Sable Moth

A strikingly patterned black and white day-flying moth. Found on moorland and in birch woodland. Has declined severely in southern parts of its range. Named from heraldic terms.

💡

Did You Know?

Named using heraldic terms: 'argent' for silver/white and 'sable' for black, describing its bold pattern.

Japanese Horntail

A large wood wasp with a robust reddish-brown body and dark wings. Native to East Asia, it attacks stressed and recently felled hardwood trees.

💡

Did You Know?

This species was first detected in North America in 1974 and is one of the few tropical siricid wood wasps to establish invasive populations.