Tapestry Moth vs Australian Owlfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tapestry Moth Australian Owlfly
Scientific Name Trichophaga tapetzella Suhpalacsa flavipes
Order Lepidoptera Neuroptera
Family Tineidae Ascalaphidae
Size 14-22 mm wingspan 40-55 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Gall Makers Predators
Regions Cosmopolitan Australia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Tapestry Moth

A distinctive clothes moth with whitish forewings and a dark brownish-black base. It creates extensive silk galleries through materials rather than building portable cases.

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Did You Know?

It was historically the most destructive moth in horse stables, riddling horsehair padding and blankets.

Australian Owlfly

A large Australian owlfly with smoky wings and yellow legs. Active at dusk in open eucalyptus woodland and dry grassland.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the most commonly encountered owlflies at light traps across inland Australia.