Toadflax Stem Weevil vs Lackey Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Toadflax Stem Weevil Lackey Moth
Scientific Name Mecinus janthinus Malacosoma neustria
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Curculionidae Lasiocampidae
Size 3-4 mm Wingspan 30-40mm
Habitat Grasslands Orchards
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Toadflax Stem Weevil

A dark metallic blue-purple weevil that feeds on toadflax species. Successfully used as a biological control agent for invasive Dalmatian toadflax in North America.

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Did You Know?

Released in North America as biological control, where it has successfully suppressed invasive Dalmatian toadflax.

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.