Lackey Moth vs Spine-Tailed Earwig

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lackey Moth Spine-Tailed Earwig
Scientific Name Malacosoma neustria Doru aculeatum
Order Lepidoptera Dermaptera
Family Lasiocampidae Forficulidae
Size Wingspan 30-40mm 10-14 mm
Habitat Orchards Farmland
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, Asia North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Lackey Moth

A pale tawny moth whose colorful striped caterpillars spin communal silk tents on trees.

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Did You Know?

Caterpillars live together in conspicuous silk tents on trees and march out in processions to feed.

Spine-Tailed Earwig

A slender earwig found in cornfields and grassy habitats across eastern North America. It shelters in the leaf whorls of corn and other tall grasses.

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Did You Know?

Farmers consider this earwig beneficial because it preys heavily on corn earworm eggs and aphids in crop fields.