Lesser Swallow Prominent Moth vs Black-waved Flannel Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lesser Swallow Prominent Moth Black-waved Flannel Moth
Scientific Name Pheosia gnoma Megalopyge crispata
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Notodontidae Megalopygidae
Size 44-54 mm wingspan 25-35 mm wingspan
Habitat Heathland Orchards
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, Asia Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Black-waved Flannel Moth

A fluffy white to yellowish moth with wavy dark lines across the forewings. Like its relative the puss moth, its caterpillar is densely hairy and delivers a painful sting.

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Did You Know?

The adult moth's long curly wing scales make it look remarkably like a tiny Persian cat.