Mauritius Lowland Forest Day Moth vs Pine White

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mauritius Lowland Forest Day Moth Pine White
Scientific Name Agarista agricola Neophasia menapia
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Noctuidae Pieridae
Size 50-65 mm wingspan 42-52 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Mountains
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Mauritius, Indian Ocean Islands Western North America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Mauritius Lowland Forest Day Moth

A day-flying moth with black wings marked by white and orange patches. Found on Mauritius and neighboring Indian Ocean islands.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most moths, it is exclusively active during daylight and rests at night.

Pine White

Delicate white butterfly with black forewing veins. Uniquely among pierids, larvae feed on conifer needles rather than broadleaf plants.

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Did You Know?

Periodic population explosions can defoliate large stands of ponderosa pine forest.