Beet Armyworm vs Dot Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Beet Armyworm Dot Moth
Scientific Name Spodoptera exigua Melanchra persicariae
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Noctuidae Noctuidae
Size 25-30 mm wingspan 38-48 mm wingspan
Habitat Farmland Underground
Diet Herbivores Wood Feeders
Regions Worldwide warm regions Europe, Central Asia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Beet Armyworm

A small grayish-brown moth whose green caterpillars attack a wide range of vegetable and field crops. Larvae often skeletonize leaves before moving to fruits and growing points.

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Did You Know?

Young larvae spin fine silk threads that allow them to balloon on the wind to new host plants.

Dot Moth

A dark bluish-black moth with a conspicuous white kidney-mark on each forewing. Its boldly marked appearance makes it easy to identify at light traps.

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Did You Know?

The white dot on its dark wings is so prominent it can be identified from several feet away.