Winter Moth vs Hornet Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Winter Moth Hornet Moth
Scientific Name Operophtera brumata Sesia apiformis
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Geometridae Sesiidae
Size 25-30 mm wingspan (males) 33-48 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Rivers & Streams
Diet Herbivores Wood Feeders
Regions Europe, Eastern North America Europe, Asia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Winter Moth

A cold-hardy moth whose tiny green inchworm caterpillars defoliate fruit and shade trees in early spring. Females are virtually wingless and crawl up tree trunks to lay eggs.

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Did You Know?

Sticky bands wrapped around tree trunks in autumn can trap the wingless females and prevent egg-laying.

Hornet Moth

A clearwing moth that is a near-perfect mimic of the European hornet.

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Did You Know?

It even buzzes and moves its abdomen like a hornet when disturbed.