Black Witch Moth vs Brown Argus
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Black Witch Moth | Brown Argus |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ascalapha odorata | Aricia agestis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Erebidae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 120-170 mm wingspan | 25-31 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | South America (Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Argentina) | Europe, western Asia, North Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Black Witch Moth
One of the largest moths in the Western Hemisphere, with dark brown to black wings marked with subtle iridescent purple and pink highlights. A comma-shaped translucent spot marks each forewing. It is a strong migrant, capable of long-distance flights.
Did You Know?
In many South American cultures, it is considered an omen of death when it enters a home, earning it the Spanish name mariposa de la muerte.
Brown Argus
A small chocolate-brown butterfly with a row of bright orange crescent-shaped spots around the wing margins. Despite its brown color, it belongs to the blue butterfly subfamily.
Did You Know?
It has expanded its range northward in Britain in recent decades, likely in response to climate warming.