Small Dusty Wave vs Pale Tussock

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Small Dusty Wave Pale Tussock
Scientific Name Idaea seriata Calliteara pudibunda
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Geometridae Erebidae
Size 16-20 mm wingspan 40-65 mm wingspan
Habitat Indoors Underground
Diet Detritivores Omnivores
Regions Europe Europe, western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Small Dusty Wave

A tiny pale moth with subtle wavy cross-lines. Commonly found inside buildings where larvae feed on dried organic matter. One of the few moths adapted to indoor living.

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Did You Know?

One of the few moth species that has adapted to complete its life cycle entirely inside buildings.

Pale Tussock

A fluffy grey-white moth with distinctively feathered legs held forward at rest. Its caterpillar is spectacular, with dense yellow or green hair tufts and a red tail tuft.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillar's bright hair tufts are irritating to skin and were once used in practical jokes.