Common Wainscot Moth vs Great Purple Hairstreak
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Wainscot Moth | Great Purple Hairstreak |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Mythimna pallens | Atlides halesus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Noctuidae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 33-40 mm wingspan | 32-50 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Central Asia | Southern United States from California to the Atlantic coast |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Its plain appearance makes it one of the most easily overlooked yet abundant moths in Europe.
Great Purple Hairstreak
The largest hairstreak in North America with brilliant iridescent blue upperside wings and a bright red-orange abdomen. Its underside is dark with metallic blue and red spots near the tails.
Did You Know?
Its caterpillars feed only on mistletoe, and females seek out this parasitic plant high in oak canopies to lay their eggs.