Banded Barklouse vs Dot Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Banded Barklouse Dot Moth
Scientific Name Philotarsus picicornis Melanchra persicariae
Order Psocoptera Lepidoptera
Family Philotarsidae Noctuidae
Size 2-3 mm 38-48 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Underground
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Europe Europe, Central Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Banded Barklouse

A small winged bark louse found on tree trunks throughout Europe. It has distinctively banded antennae.

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Did You Know?

It is often the most commonly collected bark louse in European forest surveys.

Dot Moth

A dark bluish-black moth with a conspicuous white kidney-mark on each forewing. Its boldly marked appearance makes it easy to identify at light traps.

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Did You Know?

The white dot on its dark wings is so prominent it can be identified from several feet away.