Ringlet vs Silver-spotted Ghost Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Ringlet Silver-spotted Ghost Moth
Scientific Name Aphantopus hyperantus Sthenopis argenteomaculatus
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Nymphalidae Hepialidae
Size Wingspan 42-48mm 60-75 mm wingspan
Habitat Grasslands Rivers & Streams
Diet Herbivores Root Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Ringlet

A dark chocolate-brown butterfly with small ringed eyespots on the underwings. Flies in shady grasslands.

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Did You Know?

One of the few butterflies that thrives in shade, often flying in cloudy weather when others are grounded.

Silver-spotted Ghost Moth

A large ghost moth from North America with silver-spotted wings. Caterpillars bore into the roots of alder trees, taking two years to develop. Adults emerge for brief nocturnal mating flights.

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Did You Know?

Larvae spend up to two years boring through alder tree roots in waterlogged soil before pupating.