Fox Moth vs Palmetto Tortoise Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Fox Moth Palmetto Tortoise Beetle
Scientific Name Macrothylacia rubi Hemisphaerota cyanea
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Lasiocampidae Chrysomelidae
Size Wingspan 50-65mm 8-10 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Beaches & Coastal
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Southeastern United States
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.

Palmetto Tortoise Beetle

A round, blue-black tortoise beetle found on palm fronds in the southeastern United States. It can grip surfaces with extraordinary tenacity.

💡

Did You Know?

It uses thousands of microscopic oil-secreting bristles on its feet to create adhesion forces 60 times its own body weight.