Mottled Umber Moth vs Bella Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mottled Umber Moth | Bella Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Erannis defoliaria | Utetheisa ornatrix |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Geometridae | Arctiidae |
| Size | 35-45 mm wingspan (males) | 33-46 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Orchards | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, Western Asia | Southeastern United States, Central and South America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Mottled Umber Moth
A variably patterned brown moth where males range from pale to almost black. Females are completely wingless and resemble small spiders.
Did You Know?
Wingless females attract mates by releasing pheromones from the trunk of their host tree.
Bella Moth
A brightly colored moth with pink-orange forewings covered in white and black spots. It sequesters toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids from its host plants for chemical defense.
Did You Know?
Males transfer protective alkaloids to females during mating, which she then deposits onto her eggs to protect them.