Silver-spotted Ghost Moth vs Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Silver-spotted Ghost Moth Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary
Scientific Name Sthenopis argenteomaculatus Boloria selene
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Hepialidae Nymphalidae
Size 60-75 mm wingspan Wingspan 32-44mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Underground
Diet Root Feeders Herbivores
Regions Eastern North America Europe, Asia, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Silver-spotted Ghost Moth

A large ghost moth from North America with silver-spotted wings. Caterpillars bore into the roots of alder trees, taking two years to develop. Adults emerge for brief nocturnal mating flights.

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Did You Know?

Larvae spend up to two years boring through alder tree roots in waterlogged soil before pupating.

Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary

A small orange fritillary with silver and rufous pearl spots on the hindwing underside.

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Did You Know?

Has declined significantly across Europe due to the loss of coppiced woodland and damp meadow habitats.