Small Ranunculus vs Common Nawab
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Small Ranunculus | Common Nawab |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hecatera dysodea | Polyura athamas |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Noctuidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 30-36 mm wingspan | Wingspan 70-90mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Forests |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, western Asia, North Africa | 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.
Did You Know?
It is one of few moths whose caterpillars feed on cultivated lettuce, making it an occasional garden pest.
Common Nawab
A large butterfly with pale green-white wings edged in black with two prominent hindwing tails. It has a powerful fast flight and is rarely seen feeding on flowers.
Did You Know?
Instead of flowers it feeds on rotting fruit, tree sap, and animal dung using its proboscis to probe wet surfaces.