Fall Webworm vs Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Fall Webworm Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary
Scientific Name Hyphantria cunea Boloria selene
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Erebidae Nymphalidae
Size 25-42 mm wingspan Wingspan 32-44mm
Habitat Grasslands Underground
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions North America, Europe, Asia Europe, Asia, North America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Fall Webworm

A native North American moth whose caterpillars build communal silk webs on tree branches. It has become invasive in Europe and Asia.

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Did You Know?

Unlike tent caterpillars, fall webworm nests enclose the foliage the larvae are feeding on.

Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary

A small orange fritillary with silver and rufous pearl spots on the hindwing underside.

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Did You Know?

Has declined significantly across Europe due to the loss of coppiced woodland and damp meadow habitats.