Brown-tail Moth vs Meadow Argus

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Brown-tail Moth Meadow Argus
Scientific Name Euproctis chrysorrhoea Junonia villida
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Erebidae Nymphalidae
Size 36-42 mm wingspan 4-5 cm wingspan
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Beaches & Coastal
Diet Fruit Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, western Asia (introduced to North America) Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Brown-tail Moth

A white moth with a conspicuous brown tuft of hairs at the tip of its abdomen, used to cover its eggs. The caterpillar's hairs are highly irritating and can cause widespread rashes.

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Did You Know?

Shed caterpillar hairs can become airborne and cause respiratory distress in people kilometres from the colony.

Meadow Argus

A medium-sized brown butterfly with prominent eyespots on each wing. It is one of Australia's most common and widespread butterflies.

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Did You Know?

The conspicuous eyespots on its wings are thought to startle predators or deflect attacks from the body.