Brimstone Moth vs Red Admiral

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Brimstone Moth Red Admiral
Scientific Name Opisthograptis luteolata Vanessa atalanta
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Geometridae Nymphalidae
Size 33-40 mm wingspan 56-62 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Gardens
Diet Omnivores Fruit Feeders
Regions Europe, western Asia Europe, North America, North Africa, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Brimstone Moth

A bright yellow moth with chestnut-brown blotches along the leading edge of each wing. It is a common and cheerful visitor to lighted windows in summer.

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Did You Know?

Despite sharing a name with the brimstone butterfly, the two species are not closely related at all.

Red Admiral

A bold black butterfly with red-orange bands and white spots, commonly seen in gardens. It is a strong migrant and occasional overwinterer.

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Did You Know?

In autumn it is strongly attracted to fermenting fallen fruit and can become intoxicated on the alcohol.