clouded-bordered brindle vs Common maple aphid

Apamea crenata compared with Periphyllus testudinaceus

Key Differences

  • clouded-bordered brindle is Least Concern while Common maple aphid is Not Evaluated.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank clouded-bordered brindle Common maple aphid
Kingdom same Animalia (Animals) Animalia (Animals)
Phylum same Arthropoda (Arthropods) Arthropoda (Arthropods)
Class same Insecta (Insects) Insecta (Insects)
Order Lepidoptera (Butterflies & Moths) Hemiptera (Hemiptera)
Family Noctuidae Aphididae
Genus Apamea Periphyllus
Species Apamea crenata Periphyllus testudinaceus

Evolutionary Relationship

clouded-bordered brindle and Common maple aphid share a common ancestor at the Class level: Insecta. (Insects)

Conservation Status

clouded-bordered brindle

LC — Least Concern

Common maple aphid

NE — Not Evaluated

Physical Characteristics

Attribute clouded-bordered brindle Common maple aphid
Diet
Average Lifespan
Average Length
Average Weight

Habitat & Geographic Range

clouded-bordered brindle

Habitat

Typically found in virtually all terrestrial and freshwater habitats.

Range

Found across Asia (Taiwan) and Europe (5 countries).

Common maple aphid

Habitat

Typically found in virtually all terrestrial and freshwater habitats.

Range

Distributed across Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and United States.

clouded-bordered brindle

The clouded bordered brindle (Apamea crenata) is a noctuid moth in the family Noctuidae found across temperate Europe and across northern Asia to Japan. The adult wingspan measures approximately 38–45 mm, with intricately patterned grey-brown and buff forewings bearing subtle cross-lines, a scalloped (crenate) outer margin giving the species its name, and distinctive reniform and orbicular markings characteristic of the Apamea genus. Adults fly in one generation from May to July, visiting flowers for nectar at night. The larvae feed internally within the stems and roots of grasses, particularly Brachypodium and other coarse grass species in woodland rides, woodland margins, and rough grassland habitats. Overwintering occurs as a larva within plant stems. Like many grass-feeding noctuids, the clouded bordered brindle requires structural diversity in its grassland and woodland edge habitats, with areas of tall, tussocky grasses providing both larval foodplants and adult shelter. Population trends in parts of its European range reflect changes in land management affecting coarse grassland and woodland ride quality.

Common maple aphid

<em>Periphyllus testudinaceus</em>, the common maple aphid, is a small sap-sucking insect in the family Aphididae, associated primarily with maple trees of the genus Acer. It is recorded from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and the United States. This species has not been formally evaluated for IUCN conservation status. The common maple aphid typically forms colonies on the undersides of maple leaves and along young shoots, feeding on phloem sap and potentially causing leaf curling, discoloration, and reduced tree vigor in heavy infestations. Like many aphid species, it produces honeydew as a metabolic byproduct, which attracts ants that may protect the aphid colonies in exchange. The species exhibits complex life cycles that can involve both sexual and asexual reproduction across seasons. Biological traits including body size, average lifespan, and precise dietary specializations beyond maple sap feeding remain incompletely documented. The common maple aphid is part of the broader community of invertebrates dependent on maple trees across temperate Northern Hemisphere regions.

Shared Countries

Both species can be found in 3 countries:

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