Brown-tail Moth vs Tundra Robber Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Brown-tail Moth | Tundra Robber Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Euproctis chrysorrhoea | Rhadiurgus variabilis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Erebidae | Asilidae |
| Size | 36-42 mm wingspan | 10-15 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, western Asia (introduced to North America) | Scandinavia, Finland, Scotland, northern Russia |
| 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.
Tundra Robber Fly
A medium-sized robber fly with a dark body and distinctive bristly face. It is an aerial predator that ambushes other flying insects from perches on rocks and low vegetation. Adults have powerful grasping legs.
Did You Know?
This robber fly catches prey in midair and injects digestive enzymes to liquefy the insect's insides before drinking them.