Toadflax Stem Weevil vs Gothic Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Toadflax Stem Weevil Gothic Moth
Scientific Name Mecinus janthinus Naenia typica
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Curculionidae Noctuidae
Size 3-4 mm 40-48 mm wingspan
Habitat Grasslands Underground
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Toadflax Stem Weevil

A dark metallic blue-purple weevil that feeds on toadflax species. Successfully used as a biological control agent for invasive Dalmatian toadflax in North America.

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Did You Know?

Released in North America as biological control, where it has successfully suppressed invasive Dalmatian toadflax.

Gothic Moth

A dark brown moth with intricate pale crosslines and markings resembling Gothic architecture. It is increasingly scarce across much of its former range.

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Did You Know?

Despite being widespread, it has declined by over 80% in parts of northern Europe in recent decades.