Dark Arches Moth vs Grain Aphid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dark Arches Moth Grain Aphid
Scientific Name Apamea monoglypha Sitobion avenae
Order Lepidoptera Hemiptera
Family Noctuidae Aphididae
Size 46-56 mm wingspan 1.5-3 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Root Feeders Herbivores
Regions Europe, Western Asia Europe, Asia, Africa, South America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Dark Arches Moth

A large, dark brown moth with complex darker markings and pale stigmata. It is one of the largest and most frequently trapped noctuids in Europe.

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Did You Know?

Larvae have been recorded feeding on other moth caterpillars when food is scarce.

Grain Aphid

A major pest of cereal crops in Europe and other temperate regions. It feeds on ears and leaves, reducing grain quality and transmitting barley yellow dwarf virus.

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Did You Know?

Feeding on wheat ears during grain fill can reduce thousand-kernel weight by up to 20%.