Northern Clouded Yellow vs Oak Processionary Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Northern Clouded Yellow Oak Processionary Moth
Scientific Name Colias hecla Thaumetopoea processionea
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Pieridae Notodontidae
Size 38-50 mm wingspan 25-35 mm wingspan
Habitat Tundra & Arctic Woodlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions Arctic Canada, Greenland, Iceland, northern Scandinavia, Siberia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Northern Clouded Yellow

A bright orange-yellow butterfly with broad dark borders on the upperwings. The underside is greenish-yellow with a prominent silver discal spot. It is a strong, fast flier over tundra terrain.

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Did You Know?

This butterfly was first described from specimens collected in Greenland by early polar explorers.

Oak Processionary Moth

A moth whose caterpillars march nose-to-tail in long processions along tree branches.

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Did You Know?

Its caterpillar hairs cause severe allergic reactions and rashes in humans.