Giant Leopard Moth vs St Mark's Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Leopard Moth St Mark's Fly
Scientific Name Hypercompe scribonia Bibio johannis
Order Lepidoptera Diptera
Family Erebidae Bibionidae
Size 57-91 mm wingspan 6-10mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Nectar Feeders Root Feeders
Regions North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Giant Leopard Moth

A striking white moth covered in black hollow ring spots with an iridescent blue-black body with orange markings underneath. It plays dead when threatened.

💡

Did You Know?

When disturbed, it curls up to reveal its bright blue and orange abdomen as a warning display to predators.

St Mark's Fly

A small black fly that swarms in May. Males have large heads with huge eyes that almost meet on top.

💡

Did You Know?

Often confused with the larger Bibio marci but emerges slightly later and has entirely dark legs.