Hag Moth vs Apple Leaf Miner

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hag Moth Apple Leaf Miner
Scientific Name Phobetron pithecium Lyonetia clerkella
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Limacodidae Lyonetiidae
Size 20-28 mm wingspan 7-9 mm wingspan
Habitat Orchards Orchards
Diet Wood Feeders Herbivores
Regions Eastern North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Hag Moth

A furry brown moth whose larva is called the monkey slug due to its bizarre shape with curly fleshy lateral projections. The caterpillar looks nothing like a typical lepidopteran larva.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillar's curly brown appendages are thought to mimic a shed tarantula skin to deter predators.

Apple Leaf Miner

A tiny moth whose serpentine leaf mines are visible on apple and cherry leaves. The mine appears as a winding white trail. Adults are silvery-white micro-moths.

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Did You Know?

The characteristic winding leaf mine reveals the complete feeding journey of the larva from egg to pupation.