Marbled White vs Arctic Tiger Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Marbled White | Arctic Tiger Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Melanargia galathea | Grammia quenseli |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Erebidae |
| Size | 46-56 mm wingspan | 34-44 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Tundra & Arctic |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, western Asia, North Africa | Scandinavia, Arctic Russia, Alaska, northern Canada, alpine Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Marbled White
A distinctive butterfly with bold black and white chequered wings that resembles no other European species. Despite its appearance, it is a member of the browns family, not the whites.
Did You Know?
Uniquely, females simply drop their eggs randomly into grass while in flight rather than placing them on food plants.
Arctic Tiger Moth
A striking moth with black and cream striped forewings and orange-red hindwings with black spots. The hairy caterpillar is black with reddish bands. Adults are active during the brief Arctic and alpine summer.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar's dark coloration allows it to bask in the sun and raise its body temperature well above the ambient Arctic air temperature.