Mitchell's Diurnal Moth vs Buff Ermine Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute	Mitchell's Diurnal Moth	Buff Ermine Moth
Scientific Name	Pollanisus viridipulverulenta	Spilosoma lutea
Order	Lepidoptera	Lepidoptera
Family	Zygaenidae	Erebidae
Size	18-25 mm wingspan	34-42 mm wingspan
Habitat	Forests	Farmland
Diet	Parasites	Herbivores
Regions	Australia, Oceania	Europe, Asia
Conservation	Least Concern	Least Concern

Mitchell's Diurnal Moth

A small, metallic blue-green day-flying moth with a slow, fluttery flight. It is common in heathlands and open forests where its larvae feed on native Cassytha vines.

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Did You Know?

Its metallic colouration and slow flight advertise its toxicity, as the larvae sequester cyanogenic compounds from their host plant.

Buff Ermine Moth

A creamy-buff moth with scattered dark spots and a distinctive dark streak along the forewing costa. It closely resembles the White Ermine but has warmer tones.

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Did You Know?

Unlike many ermine moths, it has a conspicuous dark diagonal streak near the wing tip.