Meadow Brown vs Pallid Emperor Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Meadow Brown | Pallid Emperor Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Maniola jurtina | Cirina forda |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Saturniidae |
| Size | Wingspan 40-55mm | 60-80 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe | West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Meadow Brown
The most abundant butterfly in Britain, a brown species with a single eyespot on each forewing.
Did You Know?
So common it is often overlooked but plays a crucial role as a pollinator of wildflowers in grasslands.
Pallid Emperor Moth
A medium-sized saturniid moth with pale brownish-grey wings. The caterpillars, known as shea worms, feed on shea butter trees and are widely consumed in West Africa. Adults emerge synchronously at the start of the rainy season.
Did You Know?
The caterpillars are so important as food in West Africa that their harvest timing is traditionally regulated by village elders.