Small Ranunculus vs Cabbage Stem Weevil

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Small Ranunculus Cabbage Stem Weevil
Scientific Name Hecatera dysodea Ceutorhynchus pallidactylus
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Noctuidae Curculionidae
Size 30-36 mm wingspan 2.5-3.5 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, western Asia, North Africa Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Small Ranunculus

A subtly attractive moth with pale grey-green wings marked with intricate darker patterns. It was once rare in Britain but has expanded its range northward in recent decades.

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Did You Know?

It is one of few moths whose caterpillars feed on cultivated lettuce, making it an occasional garden pest.

Cabbage Stem Weevil

A grey weevil that mines inside brassica stems. Larvae tunnel through stems causing weakening. One of several Ceutorhynchus species affecting oilseed rape.

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Did You Know?

Larval tunneling weakens plant stems to the point where they may snap in windy conditions.