African Commodore Butterfly vs Red-banded Hairstreak

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute African Commodore Butterfly Red-banded Hairstreak
Scientific Name Precis pelarga Calycopis cecrops
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Nymphalidae Lycaenidae
Size 45-55 mm wingspan 22-30 mm wingspan
Habitat Grasslands Woodlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Southern Africa, East Africa North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

African Commodore Butterfly

A medium-sized butterfly with warm orange-brown wings and subtle eyespots near the wing margins. It is common in open bushveld and grasslands.

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Did You Know?

Dry-season and wet-season forms look so different they were originally described as separate species.

Red-banded Hairstreak

Small dark butterfly with a prominent red-orange postmedian band on the underside. Hindwings bear false head pattern with tails.

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Did You Know?

Its larvae are detritivores, uniquely feeding on decomposing fallen leaves rather than live foliage.