Painted Lichen Moth vs Queen of Spain Fritillary

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Painted Lichen Moth Queen of Spain Fritillary
Scientific Name Hypoprepia fucosa Issoria lathonia
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Arctiidae Nymphalidae
Size 25-33 mm wingspan 38-50 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Farmland
Diet Wood Feeders Omnivores
Regions Eastern North America Europe, Africa, temperate Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Painted Lichen Moth

A small moth with distinctive grey forewings bearing bright red-orange stripes running from base to tip. It is one of the lichen moths, whose larvae feed on lichens and algae.

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Did You Know?

Its bold warning coloration advertises chemical defenses derived from the lichen compounds its larvae consume.

Queen of Spain Fritillary

A powerful-flying fritillary with large, brilliant silver spots covering the underside of its hindwings. It is a restless migrant that can appear far outside its usual range.

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Did You Know?

Its massive silver underwing spots are thought to startle predators by flashing in flight like mirrors.