Fan-foot Moth vs Processionary Caterpillar Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Fan-foot Moth Processionary Caterpillar Moth
Scientific Name Zanclognatha tarsipennalis Ochrogaster lunifer
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Erebidae Notodontidae
Size 26-32 mm wingspan 35-45 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Australia, Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Fan-foot Moth

A subtle brown moth with fan-shaped palps and delicate wing markings. Found in woodland where dead leaves accumulate. Larvae feed on dead leaves on the woodland floor.

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Did You Know?

The males have distinctive enlarged fan-shaped labial palps that give this moth its common name.

Processionary Caterpillar Moth

A moth whose caterpillars are famous for travelling in long, nose-to-tail processions through the Australian bush. The larvae are covered in irritating hairs that can cause severe allergic reactions in humans.

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Did You Know?

Processions of caterpillars can stretch for metres and contain hundreds of individuals following a silk trail left by the leader.