Variegated Cutworm vs Oak Eggar

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Variegated Cutworm Oak Eggar
Scientific Name Peridroma saucia Lasiocampa quercus
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Noctuidae Lasiocampidae
Size 40-55 mm wingspan 50-75 mm wingspan
Habitat Farmland Heathland
Diet Seed Feeders Omnivores
Regions Worldwide Europe, North Africa, western Asia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Variegated Cutworm

A mottled brown moth whose plump soil-dwelling caterpillars cut through stems of seedlings at ground level. It attacks a very wide range of vegetables and field crops.

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Did You Know?

A single caterpillar can cut down several seedlings in one night, often felling far more plants than it actually eats.

Oak Eggar

A robust moth with rich brown wings and a distinctive white spot on each forewing. Males are active fast fliers during the day, while females fly at night.

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Did You Know?

Males can detect a female's pheromones from several kilometres away.