Brown-tail Moth vs Golden-headed Micropterix
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Brown-tail Moth | Golden-headed Micropterix |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Euproctis chrysorrhoea | Micropterix aruncella |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Erebidae | Micropterigidae |
| Size | 36-42 mm wingspan | 7-9 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Wetlands |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Pollen Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, western Asia (introduced to North America) | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Brown-tail Moth
A white moth with a conspicuous brown tuft of hairs at the tip of its abdomen, used to cover its eggs. The caterpillar's hairs are highly irritating and can cause widespread rashes.
Did You Know?
Shed caterpillar hairs can become airborne and cause respiratory distress in people kilometres from the colony.
Golden-headed Micropterix
A tiny, metallic-headed moth that is among the most primitive living Lepidoptera. Adults have functional jaws instead of a proboscis and feed on pollen. A living fossil.
Did You Know?
Retains functional chewing jaws like its ancient ancestors, predating the evolution of the typical butterfly proboscis by millions of years.