Sallow vs False Ringlet

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sallow False Ringlet
Scientific Name Xanthia icteritia Coenonympha oedippus
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Noctuidae Nymphalidae
Size 30-36 mm wingspan 30-36 mm wingspan
Habitat Hedgerows Wetlands
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
Regions Europe Scattered localities in Europe, east to Japan
Conservation Least Concern Near Threatened (critically endangered in EU)

Sallow

A pretty golden-yellow moth found in autumn, associated with sallow trees. Adults can be attracted to sugar or wine rope. Larvae feed on sallow catkins before descending to feed on low plants.

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Did You Know?

Larvae begin life eating sallow catkins high in trees, then descend to complete development on ground-level plants.

False Ringlet

A small, drab brown butterfly with a row of striking silver-centred eyespots on the hindwing underside. It is one of the most endangered butterflies in western Europe.

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Did You Know?

It has vanished from over 90% of its former European range in the last century due to wetland drainage.