Lesser Yellow Underwing vs Orange-tip

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lesser Yellow Underwing Orange-tip
Scientific Name Noctua comes Anthocharis cardamines
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Noctuidae Pieridae
Size 40-46 mm wingspan 38-48 mm wingspan
Habitat Gardens Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe Europe, Asia
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.

Orange-tip

Males have bright orange wingtips; females are plain white with black tips. A herald of spring in European woodlands.

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Did You Know?

Males patrol hedgerows searching for freshly emerged females, never visiting the same flower patch twice.