Muslin Moth vs Snail-killing Fly Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Muslin Moth | Snail-killing Fly Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Diaphora mendica | Drilus flavescens |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Erebidae | Drilidae |
| Size | 30-38 mm wingspan | 7-15mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Herbivores | Predators |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Males and females look so different they were once classified as separate species.
Snail-killing Fly Beetle
A brown beetle with soft elytra where males are winged but females are larviform and never develop wings. It specializes in hunting snails.
Did You Know?
The larva enters a snails shell and slowly consumes it alive over several days before pupating inside the empty shell.