Western Spruce Budworm vs Red Admiral
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Western Spruce Budworm | Red Admiral |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Choristoneura occidentalis | Vanessa atalanta |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Tortricidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 22-28 mm wingspan | 56-62 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Mountains | Gardens |
| Diet | Omnivores | Fruit Feeders |
| Regions | North America | Europe, North America, North Africa, Asia |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Western Spruce Budworm
A major defoliator of Douglas-fir and true firs in western North America. Repeated defoliation leads to growth loss and tree mortality.
Did You Know?
Fire suppression has increased susceptibility of western forests to budworm outbreaks.
Red Admiral
A bold black butterfly with red-orange bands and white spots, commonly seen in gardens. It is a strong migrant and occasional overwinterer.
Did You Know?
In autumn it is strongly attracted to fermenting fallen fruit and can become intoxicated on the alcohol.