Cinnabar Moth vs Giant Net-Winged Midge
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cinnabar Moth | Giant Net-Winged Midge |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tyria jacobaeae | Bibiocephala grandis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Erebidae | Blephariceridae |
| Size | 32-42 mm wingspan | 10-15 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Mountains |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, central Asia (introduced to Australasia and Americas) | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Cinnabar Moth
A day-flying moth with charcoal-black wings marked with crimson-red stripes and spots. It has been deliberately introduced worldwide as a biological control agent for ragwort.
Did You Know?
Its caterpillars store toxic alkaloids from ragwort, making them so distasteful that birds learn to avoid them.
Giant Net-Winged Midge
The largest net-winged midge in North America, found in powerful western mountain torrents. Larvae have six robust suction discs for gripping wet rock.
Did You Know?
At up to 15 mm, it is a giant among net-winged midges, most of which are under 8 mm.