Australian Magpie Moth vs Heart and Dart
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Australian Magpie Moth | Heart and Dart |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nyctemera amica | Agrotis exclamationis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Erebidae | Noctuidae |
| Size | 35-45 mm wingspan | 32-40 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Farmland |
| Diet | Predators | Root Feeders |
| Regions | Australia, New Zealand | Europe, temperate Asia |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Its bold black and white pattern serves as a warning to predators that it contains toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
Heart and Dart
An extremely common brown moth named for the heart and dart-shaped markings on its forewing. It is often the most abundant species in light traps across Europe.
Did You Know?
A single light trap can capture over a thousand individuals in one night during peak emergence.