Lesser Yellow Underwing vs Golden Christmas Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lesser Yellow Underwing Golden Christmas Beetle
Scientific Name Noctua comes Anoplognathus aureus
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Noctuidae Scarabaeidae
Size 40-46 mm wingspan 20-28 mm
Habitat Gardens Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Australia, Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

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Did You Know?

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

Golden Christmas Beetle

A brilliant golden-coloured scarab beetle that emerges in large numbers during the Australian summer. Adults feed on eucalyptus foliage and are a classic symbol of the Australian Christmas season.

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Did You Know?

Christmas beetle populations have declined significantly in urban areas due to habitat loss and soil compaction affecting larvae.