Lythrum Bee vs Dingy Footman Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lythrum Bee | Dingy Footman Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Melitta nigricans | Eilema griseola |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Melittidae | Erebidae |
| Size | 10-12 mm | 31-37 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Wetlands |
| Diet | Pollen Feeders | Detritivores |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, Western Asia |
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
Lythrum Bee
A specialist bee that collects pollen from purple loosestrife along rivers and wetland margins. It is a ground-nesting species found in damp habitats.
Did You Know?
It times its emergence precisely to the flowering of purple loosestrife in July, and in years of drought it may fail to reproduce entirely.
Dingy Footman Moth
A small pale straw-yellow moth with slightly darker forewing edges. It rests flat-winged unlike many other footman moths.
Did You Know?
Despite being called 'dingy', fresh specimens are actually a rather attractive pale gold color.