Douglas-fir Tussock Moth vs Eyed Elater Glowworm

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Douglas-fir Tussock Moth Eyed Elater Glowworm
Scientific Name Orgyia pseudotsugata Phengodes fusciceps
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Erebidae Phengodidae
Size 25-35 mm wingspan (males) 15-25 mm (females)
Habitat Forests Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions North America Eastern United States
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Douglas-fir Tussock Moth

A defoliator of Douglas-fir and true firs in western North America. Outbreaks cause severe defoliation and tree mortality in dry inland forests.

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Did You Know?

Females are flightless and lay their eggs directly on their cocoons.

Eyed Elater Glowworm

A railroad worm beetle whose larviform females emit light from paired organs along the body. Males are short-lived, winged, and do not glow.

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Did You Know?

Females produce both green light from their body segments and red light from their head, resembling a tiny railroad train at night.