Firethorn Leaf Miner vs Purple Emperor
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Firethorn Leaf Miner | Purple Emperor |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phyllonorycter leucographella | Apatura iris |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Gracillariidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 7-8 mm wingspan | 62-80 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Woodlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Carrion Feeders |
| Regions | Southern Europe, spreading north | Europe, temperate Asia, Japan |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Firethorn Leaf Miner
A tiny moth whose larvae create blister mines on pyracantha leaves. Originally from southern Europe, it has spread rapidly northward. Mines cause silvery blotches on leaves.
Did You Know?
First recorded in Britain in 1989 and spread across the country within a decade on planted pyracantha hedges.
Purple Emperor
A majestic woodland butterfly whose males display an intense iridescent purple sheen visible only at certain angles. It never visits flowers, preferring carrion, dung, and tree sap.
Did You Know?
Enthusiasts bait it down from the canopy using rotting shrimp, dirty nappies, or Stilton cheese.