Balsam Fir Sawfly vs Round-winged Muslin Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Balsam Fir Sawfly Round-winged Muslin Moth
Scientific Name Neodiprion abietis Thumatha senex
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Diprionidae Erebidae
Size 6-8 mm 18-24 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Wetlands
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Eastern North America Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Balsam Fir Sawfly

A boreal sawfly whose dark green larvae with lighter stripes feed on balsam fir needles. Periodic outbreaks can cause significant defoliation in fir forests.

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Did You Know?

Outbreaks of this species often follow those of the spruce budworm, as the already stressed trees are more susceptible to additional defoliation.

Round-winged Muslin Moth

A tiny moth with rounded translucent whitish wings marked with faint grey spots. It is among the smallest of the footman moths in Europe.

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Did You Know?

Its translucent wings are so thin that text can be read through them.