Square-spot Rustic vs Vapourer Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Square-spot Rustic Vapourer Moth
Scientific Name Xestia xanthographa Orgyia antiqua
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Noctuidae Erebidae
Size 32-38 mm wingspan 25-35 mm wingspan (males only)
Habitat Gardens Woodlands
Diet Root Feeders Herbivores
Regions Europe Europe, temperate Asia, North America
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.

Vapourer Moth

A moth in which males are russet-brown day-fliers while females are completely wingless and never leave their cocoon. Females lay eggs directly on their own pupal case.

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Did You Know?

The flightless female produces a powerful pheromone that attracts males from great distances to her cocoon.