Lange's Metalmark Butterfly vs Mother of Pearl Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lange's Metalmark Butterfly | Mother of Pearl Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Apodemia mormo langei | Patania ruralis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Riodinidae | Crambidae |
| Size | 2.5-3.5 cm wingspan | 30-40 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Hedgerows |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | United States | Europe, temperate Asia, introduced to North America |
| Conservation | Endangered | Least Concern |
Lange's Metalmark Butterfly
A small metalmark butterfly found only at Antioch Dunes in California. Its larvae feed exclusively on naked-stemmed buckwheat.
Did You Know?
It was one of the first insects listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 1976.
Mother of Pearl Moth
A large crambid moth with translucent pearlescent wings bearing subtle brown markings. It is one of the larger and more attractive European grass moths.
Did You Know?
Its wings have an opalescent sheen that gives the moth its poetic common name.