Common Carpet Moth vs Purple Emperor
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Carpet Moth | Purple Emperor |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Epirrhoe alternata | Apatura iris |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Geometridae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 22-27 mm wingspan | 62-80 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Carrion Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North America | Europe, temperate Asia, Japan |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Carpet Moth
A small moth with distinctive dark and light banded forewings creating a chequered pattern. It is double-brooded and flies from May to September.
Did You Know?
It is one of the most widespread geometrid moths, found across three continents.
Purple Emperor
A majestic woodland butterfly whose males display an intense iridescent purple sheen visible only at certain angles. It never visits flowers, preferring carrion, dung, and tree sap.
Did You Know?
Enthusiasts bait it down from the canopy using rotting shrimp, dirty nappies, or Stilton cheese.