Old Lady Moth vs Brimstone
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Old Lady Moth | Brimstone |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Mormo maura | Gonepteryx rhamni |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Noctuidae | Pieridae |
| Size | 60-75 mm wingspan | 52-60 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Heathland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, western Asia | Europe, Asia, North Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Old Lady Moth
A large, sombre dark-brown moth whose wing pattern was thought to resemble a shawl worn by elderly women. It hides in dark places by day, including outbuildings and cellars.
Did You Know?
It is frequently found roosting in garden sheds and churches during the daytime in summer.
Brimstone
Males are vivid sulphur-yellow; females are pale greenish-white. Leaf-shaped wings provide excellent camouflage at rest.
Did You Know?
The word butterfly may derive from the butter-yellow colour of the Brimstone, one of the earliest to fly.