Flame Carpet Moth vs Broad-Horned Onitis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Flame Carpet Moth | Broad-Horned Onitis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Xanthorhoe designata | Onitis caffer |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Geometridae | Scarabaeidae |
| Size | 24-28 mm wingspan | 16-26 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Dung Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Southern Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Flame Carpet Moth
A small, attractive geometer moth with pinkish-brown and dark banding creating a flame-like pattern. Associated with cruciferous plants. Comes readily to moth traps.
Did You Know?
The flame-like wing pattern gives this common moth its evocative English name.
Broad-Horned Onitis
A large, dark brown to black tunneler with massive forelegs in males. The prothorax is greatly enlarged. It digs deep vertical shafts beneath cattle dung and is primarily nocturnal. Males use their forelegs in combat.
Did You Know?
The enormous forelegs of the male serve double duty, used both for digging and for grappling with rival males.