Sallow Kitten vs Common Sootywing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sallow Kitten Common Sootywing
Scientific Name Furcula furcula Pholisora catullus
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Notodontidae Hesperiidae
Size 30-37 mm wingspan 22-28 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Gardens
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe United States and southern Canada
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Sallow Kitten

A small, fluffy white moth with delicate grey markings. Named for its resemblance to a small cat. Larvae have tail filaments like the puss moth. Found near willow and sallow.

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Did You Know?

A diminutive relative of the puss moth, whose caterpillars share the same tail-whipping defensive behavior.

Common Sootywing

A very small sooty-black skipper with scattered tiny white spots on the forewings. It is a common but easily overlooked butterfly of disturbed habitats and gardens.

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Did You Know?

It thrives in weedy urban areas that most butterflies avoid, making it a true butterfly of the city.