Ringlet vs Eastern Tent Caterpillar Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Ringlet Eastern Tent Caterpillar Moth
Scientific Name Aphantopus hyperantus Malacosoma americanum
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Nymphalidae Lasiocampidae
Size Wingspan 42-48mm 25–38 mm wingspan
Habitat Grasslands Grasslands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, Asia Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Ringlet

A dark chocolate-brown butterfly with small ringed eyespots on the underwings. Flies in shady grasslands.

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Did You Know?

One of the few butterflies that thrives in shade, often flying in cloudy weather when others are grounded.

Eastern Tent Caterpillar Moth

A common moth whose caterpillars build conspicuous silk tents in the forks of cherry and apple trees. Colonies cooperate to build and expand their communal shelter.

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Did You Know?

Caterpillars lay silk trail pheromones to guide nestmates to the best feeding sites on the tree.