Cabbage Stem Weevil vs Smoky Wainscot

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cabbage Stem Weevil Smoky Wainscot
Scientific Name Ceutorhynchus pallidactylus Mythimna impura
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Curculionidae Noctuidae
Size 2.5-3.5 mm 28-34 mm wingspan
Habitat Farmland Grasslands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Cabbage Stem Weevil

A grey weevil that mines inside brassica stems. Larvae tunnel through stems causing weakening. One of several Ceutorhynchus species affecting oilseed rape.

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Did You Know?

Larval tunneling weakens plant stems to the point where they may snap in windy conditions.

Smoky Wainscot

A dull brownish wainscot moth extremely common in grasslands. Larvae feed on various grass species. Often confused with the similar Common Wainscot.

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Did You Know?

So similar to the Common Wainscot that reliable identification often requires examination of genitalia.