Common Swift Moth vs Red Admiral
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Swift Moth | Red Admiral |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Korscheltellus lupulina | Vanessa atalanta |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Hepialidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 25-38 mm wingspan | 56-62 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Gardens | Gardens |
| Diet | Root Feeders | Fruit Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, North America, North Africa, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Swift Moth
A small brownish moth with faint white streaks that emerges in large numbers in early summer evenings. Its underground larvae are a pest of lawns, crops, and garden plants.
Did You Know?
Females scatter eggs randomly in flight, letting them fall into grass rather than placing them on specific plants.
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.
Did You Know?
In autumn it is strongly attracted to fermenting fallen fruit and can become intoxicated on the alcohol.