Oriental Fruit Moth vs Bald-faced Hornet

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Oriental Fruit Moth Bald-faced Hornet
Scientific Name Grapholita molesta Dolichovespula maculata
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Tortricidae Vespidae
Size 12-15 mm wingspan 15-20 mm
Habitat Orchards Woodlands
Diet Fruit Feeders Fruit Feeders
Regions Worldwide temperate regions North America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Oriental Fruit Moth

A small dark moth whose larvae first bore into peach shoot tips, then later generations attack fruits. It is one of the most significant pests of stone fruits worldwide.

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Did You Know?

Mating disruption using synthetic pheromones has become the primary control method for this moth in many orchards.

Bald-faced Hornet

A large black and white social wasp that builds impressive football-sized paper nests in trees and on buildings. Despite its name, it is not a true hornet but a yellowjacket relative.

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Did You Know?

Bald-faced hornets can squirt venom from their stinger into the eyes of nest intruders, causing temporary blindness and intense pain.