Lackey Moth vs Common Wainscot Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lackey Moth Common Wainscot Moth
Scientific Name Malacosoma neustria Mythimna pallens
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Lasiocampidae Noctuidae
Size Wingspan 30-40mm 33-40 mm wingspan
Habitat Orchards Grasslands
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, Asia Europe, Central Asia
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.

Common Wainscot Moth

A plain straw-colored moth with a white hindwing and few distinguishing marks. It is abundant in grasslands and regularly comes to light traps.

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Did You Know?

Its plain appearance makes it one of the most easily overlooked yet abundant moths in Europe.