Thistle Lace Bug vs Winter Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Thistle Lace Bug Winter Moth
Scientific Name Tingis cardui Operophtera brumata
Order Hemiptera Lepidoptera
Family Tingidae Geometridae
Size 3-4 mm 25-30 mm wingspan (males)
Habitat Farmland Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Europe, Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Thistle Lace Bug

A small, beautifully structured lace bug found on creeping thistle. Wings have an intricate latticed pattern. Causes yellowing and stippling of thistle leaves.

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Did You Know?

The extraordinary wing structure is so delicate and ornate that it inspired Victorian microscopists.

Winter Moth

A cold-hardy moth whose tiny green inchworm caterpillars defoliate fruit and shade trees in early spring. Females are virtually wingless and crawl up tree trunks to lay eggs.

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Did You Know?

Sticky bands wrapped around tree trunks in autumn can trap the wingless females and prevent egg-laying.