Engrailed Moth vs Spanish Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Engrailed Moth | Spanish Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ectropis crepuscularia | Lytta vesicatoria |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Geometridae | Meloidae |
| Size | 35-42 mm wingspan | 10-22mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Orchards |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Engrailed Moth
A cryptic grey-brown moth with jagged crosslines and excellent bark-mimicking camouflage. It rests flat against tree trunks during the day.
Did You Know?
It can be confused with several similar species and was only recently separated from Ectropis bistortata.
Spanish Fly
A slender, metallic green blister beetle with soft elytra. It produces cantharidin, a potent blistering agent, as a chemical defense.
Did You Know?
Cantharidin from this beetle has been used in medicine for centuries but it is extremely toxic and can be lethal if ingested.