Eastern Tent Caterpillar Moth vs Hanging Thief Robber Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Eastern Tent Caterpillar Moth | Hanging Thief Robber Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Malacosoma americanum | Diogmites platypterus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Lasiocampidae | Asilidae |
| Size | 25–38 mm wingspan | 15-22 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Farmland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Eastern North America | North America |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Eastern Tent Caterpillar Moth
A common moth whose caterpillars build conspicuous silk tents in the forks of cherry and apple trees. Colonies cooperate to build and expand their communal shelter.
Did You Know?
Caterpillars lay silk trail pheromones to guide nestmates to the best feeding sites on the tree.
Hanging Thief Robber Fly
A slender, elongate robber fly that hangs from vegetation by its front legs while feeding. It has long dangling legs and a distinctive hunting posture unlike most other asilids.
Did You Know?
It earns its name by dangling from a single leg while consuming prey, freeing the other legs for handling food.