Rothschildia Silk Moth vs Square-spot Rustic

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Rothschildia Silk Moth Square-spot Rustic
Scientific Name Rothschildia lebeau Xestia xanthographa
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Saturniidae Noctuidae
Size 100-140 mm wingspan 32-38 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Gardens
Diet Omnivores Root Feeders
Regions Southwestern United States through Central America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Rothschildia Silk Moth

A spectacular large moth with rich brown wings featuring prominent triangular translucent windows. The wing shape and pattern create an effective leaf-mimicry at rest.

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Did You Know?

The clear windows on its wings may serve to let light pass through, making it harder for predators to detect against the sky.

Square-spot Rustic

An extremely common autumn-flying moth with a diagnostic square stigma on the forewing. One of the most abundant moths in British gardens. Larvae feed on grasses.

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Did You Know?

Often the single most abundant moth species in garden moth traps during September.