Oak Processionary Moth vs Cloudless Sulphur

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Oak Processionary Moth Cloudless Sulphur
Scientific Name Thaumetopoea processionea Phoebis sennae
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Notodontidae Pieridae
Size 25-35 mm wingspan 54-80 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Beaches & Coastal
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe North America, Central America, South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Cloudless Sulphur

Large unmarked lemon-yellow butterfly; females may have faint spots. Common and conspicuous across the southern United States.

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Did You Know?

Large fall migrations of thousands can be seen streaming southward along the Atlantic coast.