Black-waved Flannel Moth vs Large Yellow Underwing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Black-waved Flannel Moth Large Yellow Underwing
Scientific Name Megalopyge crispata Noctua pronuba
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Megalopygidae Noctuidae
Size 25-35 mm wingspan 50-60 mm wingspan
Habitat Orchards Farmland
Diet Herbivores Fruit Feeders
Regions Eastern North America Europe, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Black-waved Flannel Moth

A fluffy white to yellowish moth with wavy dark lines across the forewings. Like its relative the puss moth, its caterpillar is densely hairy and delivers a painful sting.

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Did You Know?

The adult moth's long curly wing scales make it look remarkably like a tiny Persian cat.

Large Yellow Underwing

One of the most abundant moths in Europe with bright yellow-orange hindwings bordered in black. It is strongly attracted to light at night.

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Did You Know?

It has successfully invaded North America and is now one of the most commonly found moths at porch lights across the continent.