Blue Doctor Butterfly vs Glandon Blue
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Blue Doctor Butterfly | Glandon Blue |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rhetus periander | Agriades glandon |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Riodinidae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 55-65 mm wingspan | 20-26 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Mountains |
| Diet | Herbivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | South America (Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Bolivia) | Alps, Pyrenees, Rocky Mountains |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Blue Doctor Butterfly
A large metalmark butterfly with brilliant metallic blue upperwings and distinctive red-spotted underwings with long tail streamers. It is one of the largest and most spectacular members of the family Riodinidae. Males are territorial and frequently seen perching on sunlit leaves.
Did You Know?
Despite being a metalmark butterfly rather than a swallowtail, it has evolved long tail streamers on its hindwings through convergent evolution.
Glandon Blue
A tiny high-altitude blue butterfly with distinctive underside spotting. It flies close to the ground in exposed alpine habitats.
Did You Know?
It has been recorded flying at over 3600 meters in the Alps.