Lackey Moth vs Azalea Lace Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lackey Moth Azalea Lace Bug
Scientific Name Malacosoma neustria Stephanitis pyrioides
Order Lepidoptera Hemiptera
Family Lasiocampidae Tingidae
Size Wingspan 30-40mm 3-4 mm
Habitat Orchards Underground
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, Asia East Asia, North America, Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Lackey Moth

A pale tawny moth whose colorful striped caterpillars spin communal silk tents on trees.

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Did You Know?

Caterpillars live together in conspicuous silk tents on trees and march out in processions to feed.

Azalea Lace Bug

A tiny lace bug with beautifully ornate, net-veined wings that is a major pest of azaleas and rhododendrons. Native to East Asia, it has become established in North America and Europe. Feeding causes white stippling on leaves.

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Did You Know?

Females insert their eggs into leaf tissue and cover them with a dark varnish-like substance, making them nearly invisible to predators.