Winter Moth vs Small Magpie Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Winter Moth | Small Magpie Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Operophtera brumata | Anania hortulata |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Geometridae | Crambidae |
| Size | 25-30 mm wingspan (males) | 26-30 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Underground |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, Eastern North America | Europe, Western 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.
Did You Know?
Sticky bands wrapped around tree trunks in autumn can trap the wingless females and prevent egg-laying.
Small Magpie Moth
A pretty white moth with black spots and a yellow head. Despite its name, it is a crambid rather than a geometrid like the true Magpie Moth.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar lives inside a rolled leaf shelter that it spins shut with silk.