Transparent Burnet vs Douglas-fir Tussock Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Transparent Burnet Douglas-fir Tussock Moth
Scientific Name Zygaena purpuralis Orgyia pseudotsugata
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Zygaenidae Erebidae
Size 28-35 mm wingspan 25-35 mm wingspan (males)
Habitat Grasslands Forests
Diet Nectar Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe North America
Conservation Near Threatened Not Evaluated

Transparent Burnet

A day-flying moth with semi-transparent red-streaked forewings. It is found in calcareous grasslands where wild thyme grows.

💡

Did You Know?

Its caterpillars feed exclusively on wild thyme, making it entirely dependent on this one plant.

Douglas-fir Tussock Moth

A defoliator of Douglas-fir and true firs in western North America. Outbreaks cause severe defoliation and tree mortality in dry inland forests.

💡

Did You Know?

Females are flightless and lay their eggs directly on their cocoons.