Lichen Moth of New Zealand vs Eastern Tent Caterpillar Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lichen Moth of New Zealand | Eastern Tent Caterpillar Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Declana floccosa | Malacosoma americanum |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Geometridae | Lasiocampidae |
| Size | 35-50 mm wingspan | 25–38 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Grasslands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand) | Eastern North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Lichen Moth of New Zealand
A beautifully camouflaged moth endemic to New Zealand that resembles a patch of lichen when resting on bark. Both the wings and body are patterned with greens, greys, and whites that perfectly mimic lichen. It is found in native forests throughout the country.
Did You Know?
This moth's lichen-like camouflage is so convincing that it even has raised scale tufts on its wings that mimic the three-dimensional texture of lichen.
Eastern Tent Caterpillar Moth
A common moth whose caterpillars build conspicuous silk tents in the forks of cherry and apple trees. Colonies cooperate to build and expand their communal shelter.
Did You Know?
Caterpillars lay silk trail pheromones to guide nestmates to the best feeding sites on the tree.