Bitter Blue vs Pea Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Bitter Blue Pea Moth
Scientific Name Theclinesthes miskini Cydia nigricana
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Lycaenidae Tortricidae
Size 20-28 mm wingspan 12-15 mm wingspan
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Gardens
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions Australia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Bitter Blue

Small blue and brown butterfly with spotted gray undersides. Commonly found around its host plant in Australian coastal areas.

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Did You Know?

It is tended by several species of ants that protect the caterpillars in exchange for honeydew.

Pea Moth

A small tortrix moth whose larvae feed inside pea pods. A significant pest of commercial and garden peas. Adults fly in June-July when peas are flowering.

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Did You Know?

Finding a maggot in your fresh garden peas almost certainly means a pea moth larva has been at work.