Lesser Yellow Underwing vs Emperor Gum Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lesser Yellow Underwing Emperor Gum Moth
Scientific Name Noctua comes Opodiphthera eucalypti
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Noctuidae Saturniidae
Size 40-46 mm wingspan 100-150 mm wingspan
Habitat Gardens Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Predators
Regions Europe Australia, Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Lesser Yellow Underwing

Similar to the Large Yellow Underwing but smaller with more orange-yellow hindwings. Very common in gardens and attracted to light. Larvae feed on many herbaceous plants.

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Did You Know?

Together with its larger relative, forms one of the most abundant moth species partnerships in garden moth traps.

Emperor Gum Moth

A large and attractive native moth with prominent eyespots on each wing that serve as a startle defence against predators. It is one of the largest moths in southern Australia.

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Did You Know?

The large eyespots on its wings are thought to mimic the eyes of an owl, frightening away potential bird predators.