Cistus Forester vs Brown-tail Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cistus Forester Brown-tail Moth
Scientific Name Adscita statices Euproctis chrysorrhoea
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Zygaenidae Erebidae
Size 24-28 mm wingspan 36-42 mm wingspan
Habitat Grasslands Beaches & Coastal
Diet Herbivores Fruit Feeders
Regions Europe Europe, western Asia (introduced to North America)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Cistus Forester

A small, metallic green day-flying moth found on chalk grassland and damp meadows. Males have feathery antennae. Larvae feed on common sorrel and sheep's sorrel.

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Did You Know?

The metallic green wings glow brilliantly in sunshine, making this one of the most jewel-like of all European moths.

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.

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Did You Know?

Shed caterpillar hairs can become airborne and cause respiratory distress in people kilometres from the colony.