Brown-tail Moth vs Rosy Apple Aphid
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Brown-tail Moth | Rosy Apple Aphid |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Euproctis chrysorrhoea | Dysaphis plantaginea |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Erebidae | Aphididae |
| Size | 36-42 mm wingspan | 2-3 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Orchards |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Fruit Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, western Asia (introduced to North America) | Europe, North America, Western Asia |
| 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.
Rosy Apple Aphid
A purplish-gray aphid covered in a dusky waxy bloom that causes severe leaf curling and fruit deformation on apple trees. It is considered the most damaging aphid pest of apples.
Did You Know?
Even small colonies in spring can cause 'aphid apples' - stunted, misshapen fruit with a characteristic bumpy surface that makes them unmarketable.