Fox Moth vs Cypress Sawfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Fox Moth | Cypress Sawfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Macrothylacia rubi | Monoctenus juniperi |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Lasiocampidae | Diprionidae |
| Size | Wingspan 50-65mm | 6-8 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Gardens |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Fox Moth
A richly colored russet-brown moth. The large hairy black caterpillar is commonly seen crossing paths in autumn.
Did You Know?
The large dark caterpillar is one of the most commonly seen caterpillars in autumn as it searches for a hibernation site.
Cypress Sawfly
A small sawfly with pectinate antennae in males whose green larvae feed on juniper and cypress foliage. Heavy infestations can discolor and thin ornamental junipers.
Did You Know?
This is one of the few diprionid sawflies that feeds on cupressaceous conifers rather than the more typical pine or spruce hosts.