Large-legged Chalcid vs Lesser Swallow Prominent Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Large-legged Chalcid Lesser Swallow Prominent Moth
Scientific Name Chalcis myrifex Pheosia gnoma
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Chalcididae Notodontidae
Size 4-7 mm 44-54 mm wingspan
Habitat Heathland Heathland
Diet Parasitoids Omnivores
Regions North America Europe, Asia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Large-legged Chalcid

A parasitoid wasp with conspicuously thickened hind femora used to brace itself while ovipositing. It attacks the pupae of tachinid flies and various Lepidoptera.

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Did You Know?

Despite looking like it could jump powerfully, those thick hind legs are mainly used for gripping, not leaping.

Lesser Swallow Prominent Moth

A white moth very similar to the Swallow Prominent but with a thinner dark wedge mark and a clear white hindwing. It is associated with birch rather than poplar.

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Did You Know?

It can be reliably separated from its close relative only by examining the width of the forewing wedge mark.