White Ermine vs Ilia Underwing
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | White Ermine | Ilia Underwing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Spilosoma lubricipeda | Catocala ilia |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Erebidae | Erebidae |
| Size | 34-42 mm wingspan | 70-95 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Farmland | Woodlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, temperate Asia | Eastern North America from southern Canada to the Gulf states |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
White Ermine
A pure white moth peppered with variable black dots, resembling ermine fur. The number of spots varies greatly between individuals.
Did You Know?
Some individuals have so few spots they appear nearly pure white, while others are heavily marked.
Ilia Underwing
A large moth with bark-patterned gray forewings that conceal bright reddish-orange and black hindwings. When startled, it flashes its colorful hindwings to confuse predators.
Did You Know?
It rests head-down on tree trunks during the day, where its cryptic forewings blend perfectly with oak bark.