Yellow-legged Hornet vs Oak Processionary Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Yellow-legged Hornet Oak Processionary Moth
Scientific Name Vespa velutina Thaumetopoea processionea
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Vespidae Notodontidae
Size 20-30 mm 25-35 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Predators Herbivores
Regions East Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Yellow-legged Hornet

An invasive Asian hornet with a dark body and yellow leg tips now spreading rapidly across Europe. It is a major predator of honeybees near hive entrances.

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Did You Know?

Since arriving in France in 2004 in a shipment of pottery, it has spread to most of Western Europe.

Oak Processionary Moth

A moth whose caterpillars march nose-to-tail in long processions along tree branches.

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Did You Know?

Its caterpillar hairs cause severe allergic reactions and rashes in humans.