Sooty Ringlet vs Reed Leopard Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sooty Ringlet Reed Leopard Moth
Scientific Name Erebia pluto Phragmataecia castaneae
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Nymphalidae Cossidae
Size 36-44 mm wingspan 30–50 mm wingspan
Habitat Mountains Wetlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Omnivores
Regions Alps Europe, Western Asia, North Africa
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Sooty Ringlet

One of the darkest European butterflies, almost entirely black. It inhabits the highest scree slopes and rock faces in the Alps.

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Did You Know?

Its nearly black wings help absorb solar radiation for warmth in its frigid habitat.

Reed Leopard Moth

A cossid moth whose larvae bore into the stems of common reed and bulrush. It is widespread across European wetlands and reedbeds.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the few cossid moths that bores into herbaceous plants rather than woody trees.