Blue-spotted Charaxes vs Marsh Fritillary
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Blue-spotted Charaxes | Marsh Fritillary |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Charaxes ameliae | Euphydryas aurinia |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 65-85 mm wingspan | 38-50 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Underground |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Gall Makers |
| Regions | Central Africa (Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, DRC) | Europe, temperate Asia, North Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern (but declining and protected under E |
Blue-spotted Charaxes
A stunning forest butterfly with deep black wings adorned with brilliant blue spots. The underside features elaborate patterns of brown, cream, and silver. It is highly prized by collectors.
Did You Know?
This butterfly is most easily attracted using traps baited with fermented banana, a technique widely used by tropical lepidopterists.
Marsh Fritillary
A colourful butterfly with a complex mosaic of orange, cream, and brown markings across its wings. It is the most rapidly declining fritillary in Europe and is legally protected.
Did You Know?
Its populations undergo dramatic boom-and-bust cycles driven by a parasitic wasp that specialises on its larvae.