Chimney Sweeper Moth vs Pale Tussock

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Chimney Sweeper Moth Pale Tussock
Scientific Name Odezia atrata Calliteara pudibunda
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Geometridae Erebidae
Size 25-30 mm wingspan 40-65 mm wingspan
Habitat Grasslands Underground
Diet Nectar Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe Europe, western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Chimney Sweeper Moth

A small, entirely sooty-black day-flying moth with white-tipped wing fringes. It flies over grasslands where pignut grows.

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Did You Know?

Its all-black coloration is unique among European geometrid moths and makes it instantly recognizable.

Pale Tussock

A fluffy grey-white moth with distinctively feathered legs held forward at rest. Its caterpillar is spectacular, with dense yellow or green hair tufts and a red tail tuft.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillar's bright hair tufts are irritating to skin and were once used in practical jokes.