Splendid Jewel Beetle vs Dot Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Splendid Jewel Beetle Dot Moth
Scientific Name Buprestis splendens Melanchra persicariae
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Buprestidae Noctuidae
Size 15-21 mm 38-48 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Underground
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Southern Europe Europe, Central Asia
Conservation Critically Endangered Least Concern

Splendid Jewel Beetle

A spectacularly metallic green and gold jewel beetle found only in old-growth forests. Develops in ancient pine trees. One of Europe's rarest beetles due to loss of old-growth forest.

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Did You Know?

Requires pine trees over 200 years old to complete its development, making ancient forests essential for survival.

Dot Moth

A dark bluish-black moth with a conspicuous white kidney-mark on each forewing. Its boldly marked appearance makes it easy to identify at light traps.

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Did You Know?

The white dot on its dark wings is so prominent it can be identified from several feet away.