Herald Moth vs Agonum Marsh Ground Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Herald Moth Agonum Marsh Ground Beetle
Scientific Name Scoliopteryx libatrix Agonum marginatum
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Erebidae Carabidae
Size 40-46 mm wingspan 8-11 mm
Habitat Caves Wetlands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, Asia, North America Europe, northern Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Herald Moth

A distinctive moth with scalloped wing edges and orange patches that hibernates in caves, cellars, and outbuildings. One of the first moths to be seen each spring. Adults resemble dead leaves.

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Did You Know?

Often hibernates in caves alongside bats, and can survive freezing temperatures during winter.

Agonum Marsh Ground Beetle

A medium-sized metallic green ground beetle with pale-margined elytra found exclusively in wetland habitats. It runs rapidly on wet mud and vegetation near water.

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Did You Know?

It is so dependent on wetlands that its presence or absence is used by ecologists as an indicator of wetland habitat quality and hydrological integrity.