Asian Comma Butterfly vs Ilia Underwing
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Asian Comma Butterfly | Ilia Underwing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Polygonia c-aureum | Catocala ilia |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Erebidae |
| Size | 45-55 mm wingspan | 70-95 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Farmland | Woodlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Predators |
| Regions | East Asia, Japan/Korea | Eastern North America from southern Canada to the Gulf states |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Asian Comma Butterfly
Known as 'ki-tataha' in Japanese, this butterfly has distinctively jagged wing edges that provide excellent camouflage among dead leaves. A white or silver comma mark on the hindwing underside gives it its name.
Did You Know?
When this butterfly closes its wings, it looks exactly like a dead leaf, providing near-perfect camouflage against predators.
Ilia Underwing
A large moth with bark-patterned gray forewings that conceal bright reddish-orange and black hindwings. When startled, it flashes its colorful hindwings to confuse predators.
Did You Know?
It rests head-down on tree trunks during the day, where its cryptic forewings blend perfectly with oak bark.