Orange-tip vs Common Moth Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Orange-tip | Common Moth Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anthocharis cardamines | Psychoda alternata |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Pieridae | Psychodidae |
| Size | 38-48 mm wingspan | 2-4 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Detritivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Cosmopolitan |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Orange-tip
Males have bright orange wingtips; females are plain white with black tips. A herald of spring in European woodlands.
Did You Know?
Males patrol hedgerows searching for freshly emerged females, never visiting the same flower patch twice.
Common Moth Fly
A tiny grayish moth fly with broad, hairy wings giving it a distinctly moth-like appearance. Its wings are held flat over the body at rest, and it runs in short hops when disturbed.
Did You Know?
Moth flies are important components of sewage treatment trickling filter beds where their larvae help break down waste.