Dun-bar vs European Hangingfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Dun-bar | European Hangingfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cosmia trapezina | Bittacus italicus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Mecoptera |
| Family | Noctuidae | Bittacidae |
| Size | 28-34 mm wingspan | 18-25 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Grasslands |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Dun-bar
A late summer noctuid moth whose caterpillars are partly predatory, eating other moth larvae sharing their tree. Variable brown coloration with a distinctive pale bar.
Did You Know?
Caterpillars are cannibalistic and predatory, readily consuming other moth larvae they encounter on leaves.
European Hangingfly
A delicate predatory insect with long legs that hangs from grass stems and snatches prey with its prehensile hind tarsi. Found in Mediterranean grasslands.
Did You Know?
The prehensile hind tarsi of hangingflies can close like a jackknife, trapping prey in a fraction of a second.