African Sapphire vs Small Fan-footed Wave

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute African Sapphire Small Fan-footed Wave
Scientific Name Iolaus iulus Idaea biselata
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Lycaenidae Geometridae
Size 30-40 mm wingspan 20-24 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions Sub-Saharan Africa Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

African Sapphire

Brilliant sapphire-blue upper wings with a dark margin and twin tails on hindwings. Found in African woodlands and forest edges.

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Did You Know?

Larvae feed exclusively inside mistletoe fruits, making them almost invisible to predators.

Small Fan-footed Wave

A small, delicate moth with pale buff wings and fine dark cross-lines. Common in deciduous woodland. Larvae feed on dead leaves on the woodland floor.

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Did You Know?

Named for the male's fan-shaped front legs that are displayed during courtship.