Turnip Moth vs Purple Hairstreak

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Turnip Moth Purple Hairstreak
Scientific Name Agrotis segetum Favonius quercus
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Noctuidae Lycaenidae
Size 35-45 mm wingspan 31-40 mm wingspan
Habitat Farmland Woodlands
Diet Root Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe, Africa, Asia Europe, western Asia, North Africa
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Turnip Moth

A drab brown moth whose fat cutworm larvae sever the stems and roots of root vegetables and seedlings. It is one of the most widespread cutworm pests in the Old World.

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Did You Know?

Larvae can survive extended periods of drought by burrowing deep into the soil and entering a dormant state.

Purple Hairstreak

A small dark butterfly with a purple-blue sheen visible only at certain angles, living almost exclusively in oak canopies. It feeds on honeydew rather than visiting flowers.

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Did You Know?

Colonies can exist undetected for years because the butterflies almost never leave the treetops.