Mnestra's Ringlet vs Saunders' Case Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mnestra's Ringlet | Saunders' Case Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Erebia mnestra | Metura saundersi |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Psychidae |
| Size | 32-38 mm wingspan | Case up to 8 cm long; male moth 1.5-2 cm wingspan |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Heathland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Alps | Australia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Mnestra's Ringlet
A dark alpine ringlet with bright orange patches on its forewings. It inhabits steep, rocky grasslands at high elevations.
Did You Know?
It has a two-year life cycle, with larvae overwintering twice before pupating.
Saunders' Case Moth
A smaller relative of the large case moth that constructs a tapering case of silk and plant debris. Males are dark, short-lived moths while females remain in their cases.
Did You Know?
Each case is individually crafted and can take over a year to fully construct.