Red Underwing vs Malabar Large White

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Red Underwing Malabar Large White
Scientific Name Catocala nupta Pieris brassicae mahometana
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Erebidae Pieridae
Size Wingspan 70-82mm 55-65 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Forests
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, Asia Western Ghats, India
Conservation Least Concern Endangered

Red Underwing

A large moth with bark-like grey forewings and vivid red and black banded hindwings flashed as a startle defense.

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Did You Know?

When disturbed from tree bark it flashes its bright red hindwings creating a startle effect then vanishes by closing them.

Malabar Large White

A rare subspecies of the Large White butterfly endemic to the Western Ghats of India. Found only in high-altitude forests. Threatened by habitat degradation.

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Did You Know?

A high-altitude relict population isolated in the Western Ghats since the last ice age.