Australian Magpie Moth vs Punched Metalmark

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Australian Magpie Moth Punched Metalmark
Scientific Name Nyctemera amica Adelotypa annulifera
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Erebidae Riodinidae
Size 35-45 mm wingspan 25-32 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Forests
Diet Predators Nectar Feeders
Regions Australia, New Zealand South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Australian Magpie Moth

A striking day-flying black and white moth from Australasia. Caterpillars feed on groundsel and ragwort, sequestering toxic alkaloids. The bold pattern warns predators of its toxicity.

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Did You Know?

Its bold black and white pattern serves as a warning to predators that it contains toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

Punched Metalmark

Brown metalmark with distinctive pale-ringed dark spots giving a punched-hole appearance. Active in the forest understory.

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Did You Know?

The ring-shaped markings on its wings inspired both its common and scientific names.