Argent and Sable Moth vs Cranberry Blue
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Argent and Sable Moth | Cranberry Blue |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rheumaptera hastata | Plebejus optilete |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Geometridae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 28-34 mm wingspan | 22-28 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Underground |
| Diet | Herbivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Northern Europe | Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, Siberia, subarctic Japan |
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
Argent and Sable Moth
A strikingly patterned black and white day-flying moth. Found on moorland and in birch woodland. Has declined severely in southern parts of its range. Named from heraldic terms.
Did You Know?
Named using heraldic terms: 'argent' for silver/white and 'sable' for black, describing its bold pattern.
Cranberry Blue
A small butterfly with violet-blue upperwings in males and dark brown in females. The hindwing underside has a diagnostic metallic silver spot. It frequents boggy habitats where its larval foodplant cranberry grows.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar is tended by ants which protect it from parasitoids in exchange for sweet honeydew secretions.