Arctic Tussock Moth vs Small Copper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Arctic Tussock Moth | Small Copper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dicallomera fascelina | Lycaena phlaeas |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Erebidae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 35-45 mm wingspan | 26-36 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Heathland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, Scotland | Europe, Asia, North Africa, North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Arctic Tussock Moth
A medium-sized moth with pale grayish-white wings in males and larger, more robust females. The caterpillar is strikingly hairy with tufted dark and pale hairs. It is found in northern heathlands and boreal forests.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar's dense coat of hairs acts as insulation, allowing it to bask in the sun and raise its body temperature for active feeding.
Small Copper
A vivid little butterfly with burnished copper-orange forewings spotted with black. It is feisty and territorial for its size, frequently chasing other butterflies from its perch.
Did You Know?
Rare aberrant individuals have blue spots on the hindwing and are prized by collectors.