Dot Moth vs Blue Horntail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dot Moth Blue Horntail
Scientific Name Melanchra persicariae Sirex juvencus
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Noctuidae Siricidae
Size 38-48 mm wingspan 12–30 mm
Habitat Underground Forests
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Europe, Central Asia Europe, North America, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Dot Moth

A dark bluish-black moth with a conspicuous white kidney-mark on each forewing. Its boldly marked appearance makes it easy to identify at light traps.

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Did You Know?

The white dot on its dark wings is so prominent it can be identified from several feet away.

Blue Horntail

A metallic blue-black horntail wasp found across the Northern Hemisphere. It breeds in recently dead or dying spruce and fir trees.

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Did You Know?

Adults sometimes emerge from milled lumber years later, boring clean round exit holes through flooring or walls.