Four-spotted Footman Moth vs Malagasy Processionary Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Four-spotted Footman Moth Malagasy Processionary Moth
Scientific Name Lithosia quadra Anaphe madagascariensis
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Erebidae Notodontidae
Size 35-55 mm wingspan 40-55 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Forests
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, Western Asia Madagascar
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Four-spotted Footman Moth

A large footman moth with strong sexual dimorphism; males are grey with two forewing spots, females yellow with four large blue-black spots. Females are significantly larger than males.

💡

Did You Know?

When handled, it can exude a yellow fluid from its thorax that stains skin.

Malagasy Processionary Moth

A pale silky white moth whose caterpillars march in long head-to-tail processions through the forest. The larvae are covered in irritating urticating hairs.

💡

Did You Know?

The caterpillars spin communal silk nests and march in lines of dozens of individuals, each following silk trails laid by the leader.