Cuban Clear-winged Moth vs Pale Tussock

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cuban Clear-winged Moth Pale Tussock
Scientific Name Carmenta bassiformis Calliteara pudibunda
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Sesiidae Erebidae
Size 20-30 mm wingspan 40-65 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
Regions Cuba Europe, western Asia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Cuban Clear-winged Moth

A wasp-mimicking moth found in Cuba with transparent wings. Its narrow body and buzzing flight closely resemble a small wasp.

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Did You Know?

Its near-perfect wasp mimicry deters birds and other visual predators.

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.