Mitchell's Diurnal Moth vs Balsam Woolly Adelgid
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mitchell's Diurnal Moth | Balsam Woolly Adelgid |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pollanisus viridipulverulenta | Adelges piceae |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Zygaenidae | Adelgidae |
| Size | 18-25 mm wingspan | 0.5-1 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Forests |
| Diet | Parasites | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Australia, Oceania | Europe, North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Mitchell's Diurnal Moth
A small, metallic blue-green day-flying moth with a slow, fluttery flight. It is common in heathlands and open forests where its larvae feed on native Cassytha vines.
Did You Know?
Its metallic colouration and slow flight advertise its toxicity, as the larvae sequester cyanogenic compounds from their host plant.
Balsam Woolly Adelgid
An invasive European adelgid that kills fir trees in North America. Its feeding causes abnormal wood formation called rotholz.
Did You Know?
It nearly eliminated Fraser fir from the highest peaks of the southern Appalachian Mountains.