Marbled Minor vs Mother of Pearl Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Marbled Minor | Mother of Pearl Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Oligia strigilis | Patania ruralis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Noctuidae | Crambidae |
| Size | 24-28 mm wingspan | 30-40 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Hedgerows |
| Diet | Root Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, temperate Asia, introduced to North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Marbled Minor
A small, cryptically marked moth that is extremely variable in pattern. Part of a complex of similar-looking species that can only be reliably separated by dissection.
Did You Know?
Part of a notoriously difficult species complex where three species look almost identical.
Mother of Pearl Moth
A large crambid moth with translucent pearlescent wings bearing subtle brown markings. It is one of the larger and more attractive European grass moths.
Did You Know?
Its wings have an opalescent sheen that gives the moth its poetic common name.