Pea Moth vs Chinese Windmill

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pea Moth Chinese Windmill
Scientific Name Cydia nigricana Atrophaneura alcinous
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Tortricidae Papilionidae
Size 12-15 mm wingspan Wingspan 75-100mm
Habitat Gardens Underground
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Pea Moth

A small tortrix moth whose larvae feed inside pea pods. A significant pest of commercial and garden peas. Adults fly in June-July when peas are flowering.

💡

Did You Know?

Finding a maggot in your fresh garden peas almost certainly means a pea moth larva has been at work.

Chinese Windmill

A dark swallowtail butterfly with crimson patches on the hindwings and a slow fluttering flight. The body is red indicating toxicity.

💡

Did You Know?

Its slow fluttering flight resembles a windmill and advertises its toxicity acquired from poisonous aristolochia plants.