Gum Leaf Skeletoniser vs Sand-Case Caddisfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Gum Leaf Skeletoniser Sand-Case Caddisfly
Scientific Name Uraba lugens Sericostoma personatum
Order Lepidoptera Trichoptera
Family Nolidae Sericostomatidae
Size 25-35 mm wingspan 10-14 mm
Habitat Woodlands Rivers & Streams
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Australia, Oceania Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Gum Leaf Skeletoniser

A small moth whose caterpillars are known for retaining their shed head capsules stacked on top of each other, forming a tall 'hat'. The larvae feed gregariously on eucalyptus leaves, skeletonising them.

💡

Did You Know?

Its caterpillar is nicknamed the 'mad hatterpillar' because it wears a tower of old head capsules like a top hat.

Sand-Case Caddisfly

A caddisfly whose larvae build smooth, curved cases entirely from fine sand grains cemented with silk. Adults are dark with hairy wings.

💡

Did You Know?

The curved sand-grain cases built by these larvae are so precisely constructed they resemble tiny miniature architectural works.