Banded Groundling vs Old Lady Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Banded Groundling Old Lady Moth
Scientific Name Brachythemis leucosticta Mormo maura
Order Odonata Lepidoptera
Family Libellulidae Noctuidae
Size 28-35 mm 60-75 mm wingspan
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Africa Europe, western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Banded Groundling

A small, dark African dragonfly with distinctive banded wings. Males develop a pruinose black body while females retain brown coloring.

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Did You Know?

It perches flat on bare ground and rocks, using its dark wings as a territorial signal.

Old Lady Moth

A large, sombre dark-brown moth whose wing pattern was thought to resemble a shawl worn by elderly women. It hides in dark places by day, including outbuildings and cellars.

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Did You Know?

It is frequently found roosting in garden sheds and churches during the daytime in summer.