Spotted Grass Moth vs Common Water Penny

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Spotted Grass Moth Common Water Penny
Scientific Name Rivula propinqualis Psephenus herricki
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Crambidae Psephenidae
Size 15-20 mm wingspan 4-6 mm (adults); 6-10 mm (larvae)
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Eastern North America Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Spotted Grass Moth

A tiny yellowish moth with a distinctive dark spot on each forewing. It is extremely common in damp grassy habitats across eastern North America.

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Did You Know?

Despite being one of the most abundant moths in its range, it is so small that most people never notice it.

Common Water Penny

A small aquatic beetle whose larvae are flattened and round like a copper penny, clinging to rocks in fast streams. Adults are terrestrial and short-lived.

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Did You Know?

Larvae are so flat they can cling to rocks in torrential currents that would wash away most other insects.