Oak Processionary Moth vs Small Red Damselfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Oak Processionary Moth Small Red Damselfly
Scientific Name Thaumetopoea processionea Ceriagrion tenellum
Order Lepidoptera Odonata
Family Notodontidae Coenagrionidae
Size 25-35 mm wingspan 25-35mm
Habitat Woodlands Underground
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Europe, Africa
Conservation Least Concern Near Threatened

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.

Small Red Damselfly

A delicate damselfly where males are almost entirely red, a rare color for damselflies. Females come in several color forms. It is a weak flier that stays close to waterside vegetation.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the only genuinely red damselflies in Europe, with males displaying a vivid scarlet color.