Rosy Maple Moth vs Pigeon Louse Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Rosy Maple Moth Pigeon Louse Fly
Scientific Name Dryocampa rubicunda Pseudolynchia canariensis
Order Lepidoptera Diptera
Family Saturniidae Hippoboscidae
Size 32-55 mm wingspan 5-7 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Blood Feeders
Regions North America Cosmopolitan - worldwide wherever pigeons occur
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Rosy Maple Moth

A small fluffy moth with striking pink and yellow coloring that resembles cotton candy. Adults emerge in spring and are attracted to lights at night.

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Did You Know?

Its bright pink and yellow coloring serves no known warning or mimicry purpose and remains an evolutionary puzzle.

Pigeon Louse Fly

A flattened, tough-bodied blood-sucking fly found on pigeons and doves worldwide. It has a leathery appearance, strong claws, and wings that allow it to move between bird hosts.

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Did You Know?

It is the primary vector of pigeon malaria, a Haemoproteus blood parasite that infects domestic and wild pigeons.