White Plume Moth vs Rose Slug Sawfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | White Plume Moth | Rose Slug Sawfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pterophorus pentadactyla | Endelomyia aethiops |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Pterophoridae | Tenthredinidae |
| Size | 25-30 mm wingspan | 4-5 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Underground |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, introduced to North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
White Plume Moth
A delicate pure white moth with deeply divided wings that split into feather-like plumes. Often seen resting on walls at night with wings held out like a letter T. Caterpillars feed on hedge bindweed.
Did You Know?
Its wings are divided into five feather-like plumes on each side, giving it one of the most unusual wing forms of any moth.
Rose Slug Sawfly
A small, dark sawfly whose slug-like larvae skeletonize rose leaves by feeding on the upper leaf surface. Larvae are pale yellowish-green and covered in a thin mucus layer.
Did You Know?
Damaged rose leaves develop a characteristic translucent, papery appearance as only the lower epidermis remains after larval feeding.