Mother of Pearl Moth vs Big-headed Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mother of Pearl Moth | Big-headed Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Patania ruralis | Pipunculus campestris |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Crambidae | Pipunculidae |
| Size | 30-40 mm wingspan | 3-6 mm |
| Habitat | Hedgerows | Farmland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, temperate Asia, introduced to North America | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Mother of Pearl Moth
A large crambid moth with translucent pearlescent wings bearing subtle brown markings. It is one of the larger and more attractive European grass moths.
Did You Know?
Its wings have an opalescent sheen that gives the moth its poetic common name.
Big-headed Fly
A small fly with an enormously enlarged, almost entirely eye-covered spherical head. It hovers in vegetation searching for leafhopper hosts in which to parasitize.
Did You Know?
Its enormous eyes give it near-360-degree vision, allowing it to spot leafhoppers from any angle while hovering.