Rosy Underwing vs Purple Dun
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Rosy Underwing | Purple Dun |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Catocala electa | Paraleptophlebia adoptiva |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Ephemeroptera |
| Family | Erebidae | Leptophlebiidae |
| Size | 65-80 mm wingspan | 7-10 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Predators | Herbivores |
| Regions | Central and southern Europe, temperate Asia | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Rosy Underwing
A large moth with camouflaged grey-brown forewings hiding vivid rosy-pink and black hindwings. When disturbed, the flash of pink confuses predators as it drops from its perch.
Did You Know?
Like all underwing moths, it uses a startle display, flashing its bright hindwings then vanishing as it re-covers them.
Purple Dun
A small dark mayfly with purplish-gray wings found in eastern streams. Nymphs crawl among submerged leaf packs in moderate current.
Did You Know?
Females drop their egg masses onto the water surface from a height of several feet while in flight.