Alpine Blue vs Variegated Cutworm

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Alpine Blue Variegated Cutworm
Scientific Name Albulina orbitulus Peridroma saucia
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Lycaenidae Noctuidae
Size 24-30 mm wingspan 40-55 mm wingspan
Habitat Grasslands Farmland
Diet Nectar Feeders Seed Feeders
Regions Alps, Scandinavia Worldwide
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Alpine Blue

A small, silvery-blue butterfly found only in high alpine grasslands. Males have pale blue uppersides while females are brownish.

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Did You Know?

It is restricted to a narrow altitudinal band and rarely descends below 1800 meters.

Variegated Cutworm

A mottled brown moth whose plump soil-dwelling caterpillars cut through stems of seedlings at ground level. It attacks a very wide range of vegetables and field crops.

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Did You Know?

A single caterpillar can cut down several seedlings in one night, often felling far more plants than it actually eats.