Fox Moth vs Wood White

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Fox Moth Wood White
Scientific Name Macrothylacia rubi Leptidea sinapis
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Lasiocampidae Pieridae
Size Wingspan 50-65mm 36-48 mm wingspan
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Meadows
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
Regions Europe Europe, western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Fox Moth

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

💡

Did You Know?

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

Wood White

A delicate, fluttery butterfly with rounded white wings and a small grey wingtip patch. It has a weak, dancing flight close to the ground.

💡

Did You Know?

It was recently discovered to be a complex of three cryptic species indistinguishable by appearance alone.