Great Red Sedge vs Winter Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Great Red Sedge Winter Moth
Scientific Name Phryganea striata Operophtera brumata
Order Trichoptera Lepidoptera
Family Phryganeidae Geometridae
Size 20-25 mm 25-30 mm wingspan (males)
Habitat Rivers & Streams Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Europe, Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Great Red Sedge

A large cinnamon-colored caddisfly with distinctive striped wings, well known to European anglers. It hatches in early summer on lakes and slow rivers.

💡

Did You Know?

This caddisfly inspired one of the oldest known artificial fishing flies, the "Great Red Sedge," used since at least the fifteenth century.

Winter Moth

A cold-hardy moth whose tiny green inchworm caterpillars defoliate fruit and shade trees in early spring. Females are virtually wingless and crawl up tree trunks to lay eggs.

💡

Did You Know?

Sticky bands wrapped around tree trunks in autumn can trap the wingless females and prevent egg-laying.