Woolly Alder Sawfly vs Tau Emperor Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Woolly Alder Sawfly Tau Emperor Moth
Scientific Name Eriocampa ovata Aglia tau
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Tenthredinidae Saturniidae
Size 5-7 mm 55-80 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, introduced to North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Woolly Alder Sawfly

A small, dark sawfly whose larvae are covered in a white, woolly, waxy secretion. The larvae feed on the underside of alder leaves.

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Did You Know?

The white waxy covering on the larva closely resembles woolly aphids, a possible case of defensive mimicry.

Tau Emperor Moth

A day-flying silk moth with a distinctive T-shaped mark on each wing.

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Did You Know?

Males fly rapidly in sunshine while females rest on tree trunks.