Buck Moth vs Swaine Jack Pine Sawfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Buck Moth | Swaine Jack Pine Sawfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hemileuca maia | Neodiprion swainei |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Saturniidae | Diprionidae |
| Size | 50-75 mm wingspan | 6-9 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Forests |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Eastern Canada, northeastern United States |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Buck Moth
A day-flying black and white moth with a red-tipped abdomen that appears in autumn. Its spiny caterpillar delivers a painful venomous sting that causes welts and swelling.
Did You Know?
In New Orleans, falling caterpillars are a seasonal hazard, prompting public health warnings each spring.
Swaine Jack Pine Sawfly
A pine sawfly with strongly pectinate male antennae and sawfly females that are stouter and paler. Larvae are olive green with lighter stripes and feed on jack pine.
Did You Know?
Major outbreaks have historically defoliated millions of hectares of jack pine in Quebec, though populations crash when viral diseases sweep through colonies.