Hag Moth vs Common Snakefly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Hag Moth | Common Snakefly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phobetron pithecium | Raphidia notata |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Raphidioptera |
| Family | Limacodidae | Raphidiidae |
| Size | 20-28 mm wingspan | 15-20 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Orchards |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Predators |
| 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.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar's curly brown appendages are thought to mimic a shed tarantula skin to deter predators.
Common Snakefly
A distinctive predatory insect with an elongated prothorax that gives it a snake-like appearance. It hunts aphids and other small insects on tree bark.
Did You Know?
Snakeflies can raise their elongated thorax and strike at prey in a manner reminiscent of a snake, hence their name.