Australian Magpie Moth vs Alpine Assassin Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Australian Magpie Moth Alpine Assassin Bug
Scientific Name Nyctemera amica Coranus subapterus
Order Lepidoptera Hemiptera
Family Erebidae Reduviidae
Size 35-45 mm wingspan 9-12 mm body length
Habitat Underground Grasslands
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Australia, New Zealand Europe, Alps, Mediterranean mountains
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Australian Magpie Moth

A striking day-flying black and white moth from Australasia. Caterpillars feed on groundsel and ragwort, sequestering toxic alkaloids. The bold pattern warns predators of its toxicity.

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Did You Know?

Its bold black and white pattern serves as a warning to predators that it contains toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

Alpine Assassin Bug

A predatory bug of dry alpine and montane grasslands. It ambushes prey with its powerful raptorial forelegs.

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Did You Know?

It has short wings and rarely flies, relying on stealth to catch prey on the ground.