Black Arches vs Wood White
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Black Arches | Wood White |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lymantria monacha | Leptidea sinapis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Erebidae | Pieridae |
| Size | 40-55 mm wingspan | 36-48 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Meadows |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, temperate Asia, Japan | Europe, western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Black Arches
A striking moth with white wings boldly marked with black zigzag lines and a pink-flushed abdomen. It can occasionally erupt in huge outbreaks that defoliate conifer forests.
Did You Know?
During outbreaks in central Europe, caterpillar frass falling from trees sounds like rainfall.
Wood White
A delicate, fluttery butterfly with rounded white wings and a small grey wingtip patch. It has a weak, dancing flight close to the ground.
Did You Know?
It was recently discovered to be a complex of three cryptic species indistinguishable by appearance alone.