Meadow Brown vs Cuban Dagger Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Meadow Brown Cuban Dagger Moth
Scientific Name Maniola jurtina Acronicta oblinita
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Nymphalidae Noctuidae
Size Wingspan 40-55mm 35-45 mm wingspan
Habitat Grasslands Wetlands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Cuba, Caribbean, North America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Meadow Brown

The most abundant butterfly in Britain, a brown species with a single eyespot on each forewing.

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Did You Know?

So common it is often overlooked but plays a crucial role as a pollinator of wildflowers in grasslands.

Cuban Dagger Moth

A moth found in Cuba and North America whose caterpillars bear dense tufts of hair. Adults are grayish with subtle dagger-like markings on the forewings.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillar's dense hairs can cause skin irritation if handled.