Small Fan-footed Wave vs Brown-tail Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Small Fan-footed Wave Brown-tail Moth
Scientific Name Idaea biselata Euproctis chrysorrhoea
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Geometridae Erebidae
Size 20-24 mm wingspan 36-42 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Beaches & Coastal
Diet Herbivores Fruit Feeders
Regions Europe Europe, western Asia (introduced to North America)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Small Fan-footed Wave

A small, delicate moth with pale buff wings and fine dark cross-lines. Common in deciduous woodland. Larvae feed on dead leaves on the woodland floor.

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Did You Know?

Named for the male's fan-shaped front legs that are displayed during courtship.

Brown-tail Moth

A white moth with a conspicuous brown tuft of hairs at the tip of its abdomen, used to cover its eggs. The caterpillar's hairs are highly irritating and can cause widespread rashes.

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Did You Know?

Shed caterpillar hairs can become airborne and cause respiratory distress in people kilometres from the colony.