Clouded Buff Moth vs Southern Flannel Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Clouded Buff Moth Southern Flannel Moth
Scientific Name Diacrisia sannio Megalopyge opercularis
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Erebidae Megalopygidae
Size 38-48 mm wingspan 25-36 mm wingspan
Habitat Heathland Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, Asia Southeastern United States, Central America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Clouded Buff Moth

A medium-sized moth where males are golden-buff and females are pinkish with darker wing borders. Males fly actively in sunshine over heathland.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the few tiger moths whose males are regular day-fliers, patrolling heathland in bright sun.

Southern Flannel Moth

A fluffy moth covered in cream to orange-brown fur-like scales. Its larva, called the puss caterpillar, is covered in soft-looking hair that conceals venomous spines.

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Did You Know?

The puss caterpillar is considered the most venomous caterpillar in North America, with stings requiring medical attention.