Large Blue vs Oriental Fruit Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Large Blue Oriental Fruit Moth
Scientific Name Phengaris arion Grapholita molesta
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Lycaenidae Tortricidae
Size 38-52 mm wingspan 12-15 mm wingspan
Habitat Grasslands Orchards
Diet Omnivores Fruit Feeders
Regions Europe, temperate Asia Worldwide temperate regions
Conservation Near Threatened Not Evaluated

Large Blue

A blue butterfly with distinctive black spots that has one of the most complex life cycles in the insect world. It was declared extinct in Britain in 1979 but has been successfully reintroduced.

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Did You Know?

Caterpillars trick ants into carrying them into their nests, where they feed on ant larvae for ten months.

Oriental Fruit Moth

A small dark moth whose larvae first bore into peach shoot tips, then later generations attack fruits. It is one of the most significant pests of stone fruits worldwide.

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Did You Know?

Mating disruption using synthetic pheromones has become the primary control method for this moth in many orchards.