Old Lady Moth vs Oak Eggar

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Old Lady Moth Oak Eggar
Scientific Name Mormo maura Lasiocampa quercus
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Noctuidae Lasiocampidae
Size 60-75 mm wingspan 50-75 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Heathland
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, western Asia Europe, North Africa, western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Old Lady Moth

A large, sombre dark-brown moth whose wing pattern was thought to resemble a shawl worn by elderly women. It hides in dark places by day, including outbuildings and cellars.

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Did You Know?

It is frequently found roosting in garden sheds and churches during the daytime in summer.

Oak Eggar

A robust moth with rich brown wings and a distinctive white spot on each forewing. Males are active fast fliers during the day, while females fly at night.

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Did You Know?

Males can detect a female's pheromones from several kilometres away.