Large Yellow Underwing vs Green Metallic Tunneler

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Large Yellow Underwing Green Metallic Tunneler
Scientific Name Noctua pronuba Onitis alexis
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Noctuidae Scarabaeidae
Size 50-60 mm wingspan 14-22 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Fruit Feeders Dung Feeders
Regions Europe, North America Africa, introduced to Australia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Large Yellow Underwing

One of the most abundant moths in Europe with bright yellow-orange hindwings bordered in black. It is strongly attracted to light at night.

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Did You Know?

It has successfully invaded North America and is now one of the most commonly found moths at porch lights across the continent.

Green Metallic Tunneler

A medium-sized tunneling dung beetle with a metallic green pronotum and dark brown elytra. Males have an enlarged prothorax. It constructs vertical tunnels beneath cattle dung and is nocturnal.

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Did You Know?

Introduced to Australia in the 1980s, this species was specifically targeted for its ability to handle cattle dung in tropical climates.