Small Ranunculus vs Chinese Antlion

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Small Ranunculus Chinese Antlion
Scientific Name Hecatera dysodea Euroleon sinicus
Order Lepidoptera Neuroptera
Family Noctuidae Myrmeleontidae
Size 30-36 mm wingspan 50-65 mm wingspan
Habitat Farmland Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, western Asia, North Africa China, Mongolia, Central Asia
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.

Chinese Antlion

An East Asian antlion found in sandy habitats across China and neighboring countries. Its larvae construct pit traps in sheltered sandy areas.

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Did You Know?

It is widely distributed across the vast loess plateau region of northern China.