Great Banded Grayling vs Lackey Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Great Banded Grayling Lackey Moth
Scientific Name Brintesia circe Malacosoma neustria
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Nymphalidae Lasiocampidae
Size 60-70 mm wingspan Wingspan 30-40mm
Habitat Heathland Orchards
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions Southern and central Europe, western Asia Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Great Banded Grayling

A large brown butterfly with a prominent white band across the hindwing underside, resembling a tree-trunk fragment. It settles on tree bark and rocks, becoming almost invisible.

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Did You Know?

When it lands on a tree trunk, it tilts to eliminate its shadow, perfecting its bark-like camouflage.

Lackey Moth

A pale tawny moth whose colorful striped caterpillars spin communal silk tents on trees.

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Did You Know?

Caterpillars live together in conspicuous silk tents on trees and march out in processions to feed.