Green Oak Tortrix vs Red Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Green Oak Tortrix Red Lacewing
Scientific Name Tortrix viridana Cethosia biblis
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Tortricidae Nymphalidae
Size 20-24 mm wingspan 80-95 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Underground
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Western Asia, North Africa Southeast Asia (Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Green Oak Tortrix

A small bright green moth with pale hindwings that is the most important oak defoliator in Europe. Outbreak years can turn whole oak canopies brown by June.

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Did You Know?

Defoliation by this moth has shaped oak woodland ecology for thousands of years.

Red Lacewing

A large butterfly with brilliant red-orange wings boldly bordered in black and white. The underside features an elaborate network of red, white, and black in a striking lacework pattern.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillars are gregarious and covered in branching spines that deliver a mild sting, providing collective defense against predators.