Australian Magpie Moth vs Large Tortoiseshell
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Australian Magpie Moth | Large Tortoiseshell |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nyctemera amica | Nymphalis polychloros |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Erebidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 35-45 mm wingspan | 54-65 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Orchards |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | Australia, New Zealand | Europe, North Africa, temperate Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern (extinct in Britain) |
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.
Large Tortoiseshell
A large orange butterfly with dark spots resembling a scaled-up small tortoiseshell, once widespread in Britain but now effectively extinct there. It hibernates as an adult in tree hollows.
Did You Know?
Its decline in Britain is thought to be linked to Dutch elm disease destroying its primary food plant.