European Antlion vs Bella Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | European Antlion | Bella Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Euroleon nostras | Utetheisa ornatrix |
| Order | Neuroptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Myrmeleontidae | Arctiidae |
| Size | 30-40 mm wingspan | 33-46 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Pollen Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, North Africa | Southeastern United States, Central and South America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
European Antlion
A large neuropteran whose larvae build conical sand pits to trap ants and other small insects. Adults resemble damselflies but are weaker fliers.
Did You Know?
Antlion larvae can survive for months without food while waiting at the bottom of their sand traps.
Bella Moth
A brightly colored moth with pink-orange forewings covered in white and black spots. It sequesters toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids from its host plants for chemical defense.
Did You Know?
Males transfer protective alkaloids to females during mating, which she then deposits onto her eggs to protect them.