Light Brown Apple Moth vs Green Alder Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Light Brown Apple Moth Green Alder Sawfly
Scientific Name Epiphyas postvittana Monsoma pulveratum
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Tortricidae Tenthredinidae
Size 16-25 mm wingspan 6-8 mm
Habitat Orchards Rivers & Streams
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Australia (native), New Zealand, Europe, North America (invasive) Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Light Brown Apple Moth

A small variable brown moth native to Australia that has invaded several continents. It feeds on over 500 plant species, making it an exceptionally polyphagous pest.

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Did You Know?

It holds the record for the broadest known host-plant range of any tortricid moth.

Green Alder Sawfly

A pale green sawfly that blends well with alder foliage. Larvae are translucent green and feed on the undersides of alder leaves.

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Did You Know?

This species is one of the few sawflies where the adult body color closely matches its host plant foliage, providing effective camouflage.