Bella Moth vs Elm Cimbicid Sawfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Bella Moth | Elm Cimbicid Sawfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Utetheisa ornatrix | Cimbex luteus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Arctiidae | Cimbicidae |
| Size | 33-46 mm wingspan | 18-25 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Parks |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Southeastern United States, Central and South America | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Bella Moth
A brightly colored moth with pink-orange forewings covered in white and black spots. It sequesters toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids from its host plants for chemical defense.
Did You Know?
Males transfer protective alkaloids to females during mating, which she then deposits onto her eggs to protect them.
Elm Cimbicid Sawfly
A large, pale yellowish sawfly with conspicuous knobbed antennae. It is associated with elm trees where the large green larvae feed.
Did You Know?
This species has become less commonly recorded following the decline of elm populations due to Dutch elm disease across Europe.