Spiny Oakworm Moth vs White-legged Damselfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Spiny Oakworm Moth White-legged Damselfly
Scientific Name Anisota stigma Platycnemis pennipes
Order Lepidoptera Odonata
Family Saturniidae Platycnemididae
Size 45-65 mm 32-37 mm body length
Habitat Woodlands Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Eastern North America Western Europe, Central Europe, Eastern Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Spiny Oakworm Moth

A medium-sized saturniid with rich orange-brown wings bearing a small white discal spot. Males are darker and smaller than females, with more feathery antennae.

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Did You Know?

The spiny oakworm caterpillar is covered in sharp branching spines that can cause a mild irritation to the skin when handled carelessly.

White-legged Damselfly

A pale, delicate damselfly with distinctively flattened white legs that the male waves during courtship displays. It prefers slow-flowing rivers and canals.

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Did You Know?

Males display their expanded white legs like flags to attract females during courtship.