Square-spot Rustic vs Peafowl Feather Louse

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Square-spot Rustic Peafowl Feather Louse
Scientific Name Xestia xanthographa Goniodes pavonis
Order Lepidoptera Phthiraptera
Family Noctuidae Philopteridae
Size 32-38 mm wingspan 2-4 mm
Habitat Gardens Gardens
Diet Root Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe South Asia, Worldwide in captive populations
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Square-spot Rustic

An extremely common autumn-flying moth with a diagnostic square stigma on the forewing. One of the most abundant moths in British gardens. Larvae feed on grasses.

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Did You Know?

Often the single most abundant moth species in garden moth traps during September.

Peafowl Feather Louse

A large chewing louse found on peafowl and pheasants. It feeds on feather material and can damage the ornamental plumage of peacocks.

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Did You Know?

Heavy infestations can damage the spectacular tail feathers that peacocks depend on for courtship displays.