Fox Moth vs Oregon Silverspot Butterfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Fox Moth Oregon Silverspot Butterfly
Scientific Name Macrothylacia rubi Speyeria zerene hippolyta
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Lasiocampidae Nymphalidae
Size Wingspan 50-65mm 5-6 cm wingspan
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Grasslands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe United States
Conservation Least Concern Endangered

Fox Moth

A richly colored russet-brown moth. The large hairy black caterpillar is commonly seen crossing paths in autumn.

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Did You Know?

The large dark caterpillar is one of the most commonly seen caterpillars in autumn as it searches for a hibernation site.

Oregon Silverspot Butterfly

A medium-sized fritillary butterfly with bright silver spots on its hindwing undersides. It inhabits coastal grasslands from Washington to northern California.

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Did You Know?

Its larvae feed exclusively on early blue violet plants that grow in wind-swept coastal prairies.