Marsh Fritillary vs Chinese Moon Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Marsh Fritillary | Chinese Moon Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Euphydryas aurinia | Actias dubernardi |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Saturniidae |
| Size | 38-50 mm wingspan | 90-120 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Mountains |
| Diet | Gall Makers | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, temperate Asia, North Africa | Central China (Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou) |
| Conservation | Least Concern (but declining and protected under E | Least Concern |
Marsh Fritillary
A colourful butterfly with a complex mosaic of orange, cream, and brown markings across its wings. It is the most rapidly declining fritillary in Europe and is legally protected.
Did You Know?
Its populations undergo dramatic boom-and-bust cycles driven by a parasitic wasp that specialises on its larvae.
Chinese Moon Moth
A rare and exquisitely beautiful moon moth with pink-tinged green wings and extraordinarily long, curling hindwing tails. Males are more deeply pink-washed than the green females.
Did You Know?
Actias dubernardi is one of the only moon moths whose larvae feed on conifers rather than broadleaf trees, an unusual dietary specialization.