Ear Moth vs Small Heath Butterfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Ear Moth | Small Heath Butterfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Amphipoea oculea | Coenonympha pamphilus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Noctuidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 24-32 mm wingspan | 26-33 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, North Africa, Western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Ear Moth
A small brown moth whose larvae bore inside grass and rush stems. Very variable in appearance. Part of a species complex requiring dissection for certain identification.
Did You Know?
Named for its ear-shaped wing stigma, though the marking is so variable it's often hard to see.
Small Heath Butterfly
A small, plain orange-brown butterfly that always rests with its wings closed. It is one of the most widespread grassland butterflies in Europe.
Did You Know?
It never opens its wings when at rest, always keeping the underwing eyespot visible as a predator deflection.