Downy Leatherwing vs Fall Webworm

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Downy Leatherwing Fall Webworm
Scientific Name Podabrus tomentosus Hyphantria cunea
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Cantharidae Erebidae
Size 9-12 mm 25-42 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Grasslands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions North America North America, Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Downy Leatherwing

A North American soldier beetle covered in fine pubescence, found on flowers and foliage in summer. It is an effective predator of aphids and other small insects.

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Did You Know?

Its larvae are active predators in leaf litter and can even survive brief periods of freezing temperatures.

Fall Webworm

A native North American moth whose caterpillars build communal silk webs on tree branches. It has become invasive in Europe and Asia.

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Did You Know?

Unlike tent caterpillars, fall webworm nests enclose the foliage the larvae are feeding on.