Magpie Moth vs Nebria Streamside Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Magpie Moth Nebria Streamside Beetle
Scientific Name Abraxas grossulariata Nebria brevicollis
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Geometridae Carabidae
Size 38-48 mm wingspan 10-14 mm
Habitat Underground Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, temperate Asia Europe, Introduced to North America and New Zealand
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Magpie Moth

A conspicuous white moth with bold black spots and an orange-yellow band across the wings. It played a historic role in the discovery of sex-linked inheritance.

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Did You Know?

Leonard Doncaster's experiments on this moth in 1906 provided early evidence for sex-linked genetics.

Nebria Streamside Beetle

A very common European ground beetle often found near streams and in damp habitats. It is active year-round including during mild winter nights.

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Did You Know?

It is one of very few ground beetles that breeds in autumn and is active throughout the winter months.