Sallow vs Lobster Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sallow Lobster Moth
Scientific Name Xanthia icteritia Stauropus fagi
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Noctuidae Notodontidae
Size 30-36 mm wingspan 45-70 mm wingspan
Habitat Hedgerows Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Sallow

A pretty golden-yellow moth found in autumn, associated with sallow trees. Adults can be attracted to sugar or wine rope. Larvae feed on sallow catkins before descending to feed on low plants.

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Did You Know?

Larvae begin life eating sallow catkins high in trees, then descend to complete development on ground-level plants.

Lobster Moth

A moth whose young caterpillar mimics an ant and mature caterpillar resembles a lobster.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillar raises its swollen tail and thoracic legs in a bizarre threat display.