Dot Moth vs Western Pine Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Dot Moth | Western Pine Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Melanchra persicariae | Dendroctonus brevicomis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Noctuidae | Curculionidae |
| Size | 38-48 mm wingspan | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Forests |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Central Asia | Western United States from British Columbia to Mexico |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Did You Know?
The white dot on its dark wings is so prominent it can be identified from several feet away.
Western Pine Beetle
A small dark brown bark beetle that attacks ponderosa pine trees. It is one of the most destructive bark beetles in western forests.
Did You Know?
It uses aggregation pheromones to coordinate mass attacks that can overwhelm a healthy tree's resin defenses.