Lesser Swallow Prominent Moth vs Japanese Antlion

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lesser Swallow Prominent Moth Japanese Antlion
Scientific Name Pheosia gnoma Hagenomyia micans
Order Lepidoptera Neuroptera
Family Notodontidae Myrmeleontidae
Size 44-54 mm wingspan 60-80 mm wingspan
Habitat Heathland Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, Asia Japan, Korea, Eastern China
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Lesser Swallow Prominent Moth

A white moth very similar to the Swallow Prominent but with a thinner dark wedge mark and a clear white hindwing. It is associated with birch rather than poplar.

💡

Did You Know?

It can be reliably separated from its close relative only by examining the width of the forewing wedge mark.

Japanese Antlion

A large East Asian antlion with glossy wings and a robust body. A familiar summer insect across Japan attracted to artificial lights.

💡

Did You Know?

In Japanese folklore, antlion larvae are called 'arijigoku' meaning 'ant hell.'