Twisted-Winged Parasitoid vs Flame Carpet Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Twisted-Winged Parasitoid Flame Carpet Moth
Scientific Name Elenchus tenuicornis Xanthorhoe designata
Order Strepsiptera Lepidoptera
Family Elenchidae Geometridae
Size 1-3 mm 24-28 mm wingspan
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Parasites Herbivores
Regions Europe, Asia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Twisted-Winged Parasitoid

A minute strepsipteran that parasitizes planthoppers of the family Delphacidae. Males have fan-shaped hind wings and raspberry-like compound eyes unique among insects.

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Did You Know?

Strepsiptera have unique compound eyes with far fewer but much larger individual lenses than any other insect, resembling a cluster of berries.

Flame Carpet Moth

A small, attractive geometer moth with pinkish-brown and dark banding creating a flame-like pattern. Associated with cruciferous plants. Comes readily to moth traps.

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Did You Know?

The flame-like wing pattern gives this common moth its evocative English name.