Bella Moth vs Small Emerald Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Bella Moth | Small Emerald Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Utetheisa ornatrix | Hemistola chrysoprasaria |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Arctiidae | Geometridae |
| Size | 33-46 mm wingspan | 28-33 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Heathland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Southeastern United States, Central and South America | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Bella Moth
A brightly colored moth with pink-orange forewings covered in white and black spots. It sequesters toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids from its host plants for chemical defense.
Did You Know?
Males transfer protective alkaloids to females during mating, which she then deposits onto her eggs to protect them.
Small Emerald Moth
A small, delicate moth with uniformly pale green wings and fine white fringe. It is one of the daintiest European emerald moths.
Did You Know?
It feeds exclusively on wild clematis, making it confined to areas where this plant grows.