Buff-tip vs Gatekeeper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Buff-tip | Gatekeeper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phalera bucephala | Pyronia tithonus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Notodontidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 55-68 mm wingspan | 34-38 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Woodlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, temperate Asia | Western Europe, Southern Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Buff-tip
A moth that mimics a broken birch twig with remarkable precision when at rest. Its silvery-grey wings end in a buff-coloured patch resembling exposed wood.
Did You Know?
Caterpillars feed communally in large groups and can completely defoliate small trees.
Gatekeeper
A common warm-brown butterfly often seen basking on hedgerow flowers in high summer. It has distinctive twin white pupils within the eye-spots on its forewings.
Did You Know?
Its alternative name 'Hedge Brown' reflects its strong association with hedgerow habitats.