Light Emerald vs Arctic Tussock Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Light Emerald Arctic Tussock Moth
Scientific Name Campaea margaritaria Dicallomera fascelina
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Geometridae Erebidae
Size 40-52 mm wingspan 35-45 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Forests
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, temperate Asia Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, Scotland
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Light Emerald

A delicate pale green moth with fine white cross-lines that fades to white as it ages. It is one of the most commonly encountered emerald moths at light traps.

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Did You Know?

Its green pigment is chemically unstable and bleaches completely in museum specimens within months.

Arctic Tussock Moth

A medium-sized moth with pale grayish-white wings in males and larger, more robust females. The caterpillar is strikingly hairy with tufted dark and pale hairs. It is found in northern heathlands and boreal forests.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillar's dense coat of hairs acts as insulation, allowing it to bask in the sun and raise its body temperature for active feeding.