Mountain Ringlet vs Box Tree Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mountain Ringlet | Box Tree Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Erebia epiphron | Cydalima perspectalis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Crambidae |
| Size | 32-38 mm wingspan | 35-45 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Mountains | Gardens |
| Diet | Omnivores | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | Mountain ranges of Europe (Alps, Pyrenees, Scotland, Lake District) | Native to East Asia; invasive in Europe and North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern (vulnerable to climate change) | Least Concern |
Mountain Ringlet
A small dark brown butterfly with orange-ringed eyespots found only at high altitudes. In Britain it is the only truly alpine butterfly, flying above 500 metres.
Did You Know?
It only flies in sunshine and immediately drops into the grass the moment a cloud covers the sun.
Box Tree Moth
A white moth with iridescent brown wing borders that has become one of Europe's most destructive invasive species. Its caterpillars can completely defoliate ornamental boxwood hedges.
Did You Know?
Since arriving in Europe around 2007, it has devastated centuries-old boxwood gardens across the continent.