Bella Moth vs White Plume Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Bella Moth | White Plume Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Utetheisa ornatrix | Pterophorus pentadactyla |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Arctiidae | Pterophoridae |
| Size | 33-46 mm wingspan | 25-30 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Farmland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| 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.
White Plume Moth
A delicate pure white moth with deeply divided wings that split into feather-like plumes. Often seen resting on walls at night with wings held out like a letter T. Caterpillars feed on hedge bindweed.
Did You Know?
Its wings are divided into five feather-like plumes on each side, giving it one of the most unusual wing forms of any moth.