Puss Moth vs Creosote Bush Grasshopper Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Puss Moth Creosote Bush Grasshopper Bug
Scientific Name Cerura vinula Bootettix argentatus
Order Lepidoptera Hemiptera
Family Notodontidae Miridae
Size 58-80 mm wingspan 4-6 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Deserts & Drylands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, Asia North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Puss Moth

A furry white moth whose caterpillar has whip-like tail filaments and sprays formic acid.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillar can shoot a jet of formic acid from a gland behind its head.

Creosote Bush Grasshopper Bug

A tiny plant bug exclusively associated with creosote bush in North American deserts. Its silvery-green coloring blends perfectly with creosote foliage.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the few insects that can tolerate the highly toxic resins of the creosote bush.