Nettle Pug vs Hag Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Nettle Pug | Hag Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Eupithecia venosata | Phobetron pithecium |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Geometridae | Limacodidae |
| Size | 20-24 mm wingspan | 20-28 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Orchards |
| Diet | Seed Feeders | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Eastern North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Nettle Pug
A small pug moth associated with bladder campion, not nettles despite its name. Larvae feed inside the inflated seed capsules. A rather attractive species.
Did You Know?
Despite being called 'Nettle Pug', it has no association with nettles and feeds entirely on campion.
Hag Moth
A furry brown moth whose larva is called the monkey slug due to its bizarre shape with curly fleshy lateral projections. The caterpillar looks nothing like a typical lepidopteran larva.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar's curly brown appendages are thought to mimic a shed tarantula skin to deter predators.