Forest Caterpillar Hunter vs August Thorn

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Forest Caterpillar Hunter August Thorn
Scientific Name Calosoma sycophanta Ennomos quercinaria
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Carabidae Geometridae
Size 25-35 mm 32-38 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Predators Herbivores
Regions Europe, North Africa; introduced to North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Forest Caterpillar Hunter

A large, brilliant metallic green and gold ground beetle that climbs trees to hunt caterpillars. It was introduced to North America for gypsy moth biocontrol.

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Did You Know?

A single beetle can consume over 300 caterpillars during its larval and adult life.

August Thorn

A thorn moth flying in late summer with warm yellow-brown wings. Rests with wings spread flat. Larvae feed on oak and other deciduous trees.

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Did You Know?

The angular wing shape and brown coloring give it a remarkable resemblance to a dry autumn leaf.