Arctic Tiger Moth vs Provence Short-tailed Blue
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Arctic Tiger Moth | Provence Short-tailed Blue |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Grammia quenseli | Cupido alcetas |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Erebidae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 34-44 mm wingspan | 22-28 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Tundra & Arctic | Grasslands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Scandinavia, Arctic Russia, Alaska, northern Canada, alpine Europe | Central and southern Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Arctic Tiger Moth
A striking moth with black and cream striped forewings and orange-red hindwings with black spots. The hairy caterpillar is black with reddish bands. Adults are active during the brief Arctic and alpine summer.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar's dark coloration allows it to bask in the sun and raise its body temperature well above the ambient Arctic air temperature.
Provence Short-tailed Blue
One of Europe's smallest butterflies with violet-blue males and dark brown females. It lacks the tail projection of its close relative the short-tailed blue.
Did You Know?
Males gather in large puddle clubs on damp ground to drink mineral-rich water.