Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet vs Acraea Butterfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet Acraea Butterfly
Scientific Name Xanthorhoe ferrugata Acraea acerata
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Geometridae Nymphalidae
Size 22-28 mm wingspan 45-60 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Underground
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet

A common but variable carpet moth found in gardens and hedgerows. Wing pattern ranges from pale to very dark. Larvae feed on bedstraws and other low plants.

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Did You Know?

So variable in appearance that dark and light forms were once described as separate species.

Acraea Butterfly

A medium-sized butterfly with translucent orange wings and dark veins, giving it a delicate, window-like appearance. It is toxic and part of a large mimicry ring in East Africa.

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Did You Know?

It is a significant pest of sweet potato crops in East Africa, with larvae sometimes completely defoliating plants.