Riband Wave Moth vs Darling Underwing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Riband Wave Moth Darling Underwing
Scientific Name Idaea aversata Catocala cara
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Geometridae Erebidae
Size 26-33 mm wingspan 75-90 mm wingspan
Habitat Farmland Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Sap Feeders
Regions Europe, Western Asia Eastern North America from Canada to the southeastern United States
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Riband Wave Moth

A small greyish moth occurring in both banded and plain forms. The banded form has a conspicuous dark central band across the forewings.

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Did You Know?

Both the banded and plain forms can emerge from the same brood of eggs.

Darling Underwing

A large underwing moth with cryptic gray-brown forewings and striking pinkish-red hindwings banded with black. It is commonly attracted to sugaring baits.

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Did You Know?

Its Latin name cara means 'darling' or 'beloved,' referencing the beautiful pink hindwings hidden under its bark-like forewings.