Dun-bar vs Lesser Yellow Underwing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dun-bar Lesser Yellow Underwing
Scientific Name Cosmia trapezina Noctua comes
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Noctuidae Noctuidae
Size 28-34 mm wingspan 40-46 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Gardens
Diet Predators Herbivores
Regions Europe, Asia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Dun-bar

A late summer noctuid moth whose caterpillars are partly predatory, eating other moth larvae sharing their tree. Variable brown coloration with a distinctive pale bar.

💡

Did You Know?

Caterpillars are cannibalistic and predatory, readily consuming other moth larvae they encounter on leaves.

Lesser Yellow Underwing

Similar to the Large Yellow Underwing but smaller with more orange-yellow hindwings. Very common in gardens and attracted to light. Larvae feed on many herbaceous plants.

💡

Did You Know?

Together with its larger relative, forms one of the most abundant moth species partnerships in garden moth traps.