Large Tortoiseshell vs Snout Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Large Tortoiseshell | Snout Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nymphalis polychloros | Vitessa suradeva |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Pyralidae |
| Size | 54-65 mm wingspan | 40-50 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Orchards | Forests |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, North Africa, temperate Asia | Southeast Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern (extinct in Britain) | Least Concern |
Large Tortoiseshell
A large orange butterfly with dark spots resembling a scaled-up small tortoiseshell, once widespread in Britain but now effectively extinct there. It hibernates as an adult in tree hollows.
Did You Know?
Its decline in Britain is thought to be linked to Dutch elm disease destroying its primary food plant.
Snout Moth
A large pyralid moth from Southeast Asia and New Guinea whose caterpillars spin webs on young leaves of poisonous shrubs. Adults have elongated labial palps forming a 'snout'.
Did You Know?
Caterpillars can tolerate feeding on toxic plants that would kill most other moth species.