Nymphidium mantus vs Square-spot Rustic

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Nymphidium mantus Square-spot Rustic
Scientific Name Nymphidium mantus Xestia xanthographa
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Riodinidae Noctuidae
Size 28-35 mm wingspan 32-38 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Gardens
Diet Nectar Feeders Root Feeders
Regions South America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Nymphidium mantus

White butterfly with dark wing edges resembling a tiny pierid. Caterpillars are tended by ants in a mutualistic relationship.

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Did You Know?

Larvae produce ant-attracting secretions and are guarded by aggressive ant colonies.

Square-spot Rustic

An extremely common autumn-flying moth with a diagnostic square stigma on the forewing. One of the most abundant moths in British gardens. Larvae feed on grasses.

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Did You Know?

Often the single most abundant moth species in garden moth traps during September.