White Plume Moth vs Rose Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute White Plume Moth Rose Sawfly
Scientific Name Pterophorus pentadactyla Arge ochropus
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Pterophoridae Argidae
Size 25-30 mm wingspan 7-10 mm
Habitat Farmland Gardens
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

White Plume Moth

A delicate pure white moth with deeply divided wings that split into feather-like plumes. Often seen resting on walls at night with wings held out like a letter T. Caterpillars feed on hedge bindweed.

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Did You Know?

Its wings are divided into five feather-like plumes on each side, giving it one of the most unusual wing forms of any moth.

Rose Sawfly

A yellow and black sawfly whose larvae skeletonize rose leaves. Adults are commonly found on rose bushes in gardens throughout Europe.

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Did You Know?

Its larvae curl into an S-shape and drop off leaves when disturbed as an escape strategy.