Riband Wave Moth vs Redheaded Pine Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Riband Wave Moth Redheaded Pine Sawfly
Scientific Name Idaea aversata Neodiprion lecontei
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Geometridae Diprionidae
Size 26-33 mm wingspan 6-8 mm (adult)
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, Western Asia North America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Riband Wave Moth

A small greyish moth occurring in both banded and plain forms. The banded form has a conspicuous dark central band across the forewings.

💡

Did You Know?

Both the banded and plain forms can emerge from the same brood of eggs.

Redheaded Pine Sawfly

The most widely distributed pine sawfly in eastern North America. Larvae can completely defoliate young pines, sometimes killing them.

💡

Did You Know?

Larvae rear up in unison and regurgitate resinous fluid when disturbed as a group defense.