Thistle Gall Wasp vs Ornate Tiger Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Thistle Gall Wasp Ornate Tiger Moth
Scientific Name Isocolus scabiosae Arctia flavia
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Cynipidae Arctiidae
Size 1.5-2.5 mm 45-55 mm wingspan
Habitat Meadows Meadows
Diet Gall Makers Omnivores
Regions Europe, Western Asia European Alps, Scandinavia
Conservation Least Concern Near Threatened

Thistle Gall Wasp

A minute gall-inducing wasp that forms swellings on knapweed flower heads. It has been studied as a potential biocontrol agent for invasive knapweeds.

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Did You Know?

A single flower head can contain dozens of tiny gall chambers, each housing one larva.

Ornate Tiger Moth

A rare alpine tiger moth with cream forewings bearing irregular brown markings and orange-yellow hindwings with dark spots. It inhabits high-altitude meadows and rocky slopes.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the rarest tiger moths in Europe and is legally protected in several countries.