Snailcase Bagworm vs Ilia Underwing
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Snailcase Bagworm | Ilia Underwing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Apterona helicoidella | Catocala ilia |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Psychidae | Erebidae |
| Size | Case about 5-6 mm; male wingspan 10 mm | 70-95 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Asia Minor, introduced to North America | Eastern North America from southern Canada to the Gulf states |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Snailcase Bagworm
A tiny bagworm moth whose larva builds a coiled, snail-shell-shaped case from silk and sand grains. It reproduces entirely by parthenogenesis in most of its range.
Did You Know?
Males are almost never found; most populations consist entirely of females reproducing without mating.
Ilia Underwing
A large moth with bark-patterned gray forewings that conceal bright reddish-orange and black hindwings. When startled, it flashes its colorful hindwings to confuse predators.
Did You Know?
It rests head-down on tree trunks during the day, where its cryptic forewings blend perfectly with oak bark.