Large Yellow Underwing vs Lana'i Sandalwood Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Large Yellow Underwing | Lana'i Sandalwood Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Noctua pronuba | Iliahia pahulu |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Noctuidae | Gracillariidae |
| Size | 50-60 mm wingspan | 5-8 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Farmland | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, North America | Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Critically Endangered |
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.
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.
Lana'i Sandalwood Moth
A critically endangered moth discovered in 2026, known only from a small grove of roughly 30 sandalwood trees on the island of Lanai. Its larvae mine sandalwood leaves.
Did You Know?
This moth is known from just one grove of 30 trees — if those sandalwood trees disappear, this entire species vanishes with them.