Figwort Weevil vs Feathered Thorn

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Figwort Weevil Feathered Thorn
Scientific Name Cionus scrophulariae Colotois pennaria
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Curculionidae Geometridae
Size 3-5 mm 40-50 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Underground
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Europe, western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Figwort Weevil

A globular weevil with checkerboard black and white patterning found on figwort and mullein. Larvae feed externally on leaves in mucous cocoons. A strikingly patterned species.

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Did You Know?

Larvae spin external mucous cocoons on the leaf surface, looking like small glistening droplets.

Feathered Thorn

An autumn-flying moth with warm orange-brown wings and males bearing dramatically feathered antennae. It flies late in the year when few other moths are active.

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Did You Know?

Males use their enormous feathered antennae to detect female pheromones on cold autumn nights.