Ear Moth vs Red Assassin Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Ear Moth | Red Assassin Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Amphipoea oculea | Rhynocoris iracundus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Noctuidae | Reduviidae |
| Size | 24-32 mm wingspan | 12-18 mm |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Ear Moth
A small brown moth whose larvae bore inside grass and rush stems. Very variable in appearance. Part of a species complex requiring dissection for certain identification.
Did You Know?
Named for its ear-shaped wing stigma, though the marking is so variable it's often hard to see.
Red Assassin Bug
A striking red and black assassin bug common in European meadows and grasslands. It is a generalist predator that hunts among flowers and vegetation. The bright red coloration serves as a warning to potential predators.
Did You Know?
It hunts by ambush among wildflowers, using its raptorial forelegs to snatch visiting pollinators and other flower-visiting insects.