Marsh Fritillary vs Plantain Gall Weevil
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Marsh Fritillary | Plantain Gall Weevil |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Euphydryas aurinia | Mecinus pyraster |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Curculionidae |
| Size | 38-50 mm wingspan | 3-4 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Grasslands |
| Diet | Gall Makers | Gall Makers |
| Regions | Europe, temperate Asia, North Africa | Europe |
| 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.
Plantain Gall Weevil
A small cylindrical weevil that causes stem galls on plantain. Larvae develop inside swollen plant stems. An inconspicuous but very common species.
Did You Know?
Causes distinctive swellings on plantain stems that are easy to find even when the tiny weevil itself is not visible.