Common Wainscot Moth vs Brimstone Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Wainscot Moth Brimstone Moth
Scientific Name Mythimna pallens Opisthograptis luteolata
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Noctuidae Geometridae
Size 33-40 mm wingspan 33-40 mm wingspan
Habitat Grasslands Underground
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, Central Asia Europe, western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Common Wainscot Moth

A plain straw-colored moth with a white hindwing and few distinguishing marks. It is abundant in grasslands and regularly comes to light traps.

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Did You Know?

Its plain appearance makes it one of the most easily overlooked yet abundant moths in Europe.

Brimstone Moth

A bright yellow moth with chestnut-brown blotches along the leading edge of each wing. It is a common and cheerful visitor to lighted windows in summer.

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Did You Know?

Despite sharing a name with the brimstone butterfly, the two species are not closely related at all.