Muslin Moth vs Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Muslin Moth Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet
Scientific Name Diaphora mendica Xanthorhoe ferrugata
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Erebidae Geometridae
Size 30-38 mm wingspan 22-28 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, Western Asia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Muslin Moth

A sexually dimorphic moth where males are dark smoky grey and females are pure white with black spots. The contrast between sexes is striking.

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Did You Know?

Males and females look so different they were once classified as separate species.

Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet

A common but variable carpet moth found in gardens and hedgerows. Wing pattern ranges from pale to very dark. Larvae feed on bedstraws and other low plants.

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Did You Know?

So variable in appearance that dark and light forms were once described as separate species.