Red Underwing vs Pink Wax Scale Whitefly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Red Underwing | Pink Wax Scale Whitefly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Catocala nupta | Aleurocanthus woglumi |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Erebidae | Aleyrodidae |
| Size | Wingspan 70-82mm | 1-1.5 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Orchards |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Asia (native), Americas, Africa (invasive) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Red Underwing
A large moth with bark-like grey forewings and vivid red and black banded hindwings flashed as a startle defense.
Did You Know?
When disturbed from tree bark it flashes its bright red hindwings creating a startle effect then vanishes by closing them.
Pink Wax Scale Whitefly
Known as the citrus blackfly, this whitefly has dark sooty-colored pupae that distinguish it from other whitefly species. Heavy infestations coat leaves in thick black sooty mold.
Did You Know?
It was successfully controlled in many countries using the parasitoid wasp Amitus hesperidum, one of the classic triumphs of biological pest control.