Small Magpie Moth vs Painted Bat Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Small Magpie Moth Painted Bat Moth
Scientific Name Anania hortulata Alcidis zodiaca
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Crambidae Uraniidae
Size 26-30 mm wingspan 80-120 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Forests
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Western Asia Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Papua, Sulawesi, Maluku Islands)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Small Magpie Moth

A pretty white moth with black spots and a yellow head. Despite its name, it is a crambid rather than a geometrid like the true Magpie Moth.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillar lives inside a rolled leaf shelter that it spins shut with silk.

Painted Bat Moth

A day-flying moth with iridescent blue-black wings marked with bands of brilliant orange and white patches. Its flight is slow and butterfly-like, displaying its warning colors conspicuously.

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Did You Know?

Despite being a moth, it is entirely diurnal and its iridescent wings rival the beauty of any butterfly in the region.