Malachite Butterfly vs Turnip Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Malachite Butterfly Turnip Moth
Scientific Name Siproeta stelenes Agrotis segetum
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Nymphalidae Noctuidae
Size Wingspan 85-100mm 35-45 mm wingspan
Habitat Orchards Farmland
Diet Herbivores Root Feeders
Regions North America, South America Europe, Africa, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Malachite Butterfly

A large butterfly with striking black and brilliant malachite green patterning on both wing surfaces. It has a slow graceful flight.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most butterflies it feeds primarily on rotting fruit and bird droppings rather than flower nectar.

Turnip Moth

A drab brown moth whose fat cutworm larvae sever the stems and roots of root vegetables and seedlings. It is one of the most widespread cutworm pests in the Old World.

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Did You Know?

Larvae can survive extended periods of drought by burrowing deep into the soil and entering a dormant state.