Clouded Yellow vs Ilia Underwing
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Clouded Yellow | Ilia Underwing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Colias croceus | Catocala ilia |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Pieridae | Erebidae |
| Size | Wingspan 46-54mm | 70-95 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Farmland | Woodlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Africa, Asia | Eastern North America from southern Canada to the Gulf states |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Clouded Yellow
A fast-flying bright orange-yellow butterfly with black wing borders. A pale female form called helice has greenish-white wings instead of orange.
Did You Know?
It migrates north from the Mediterranean each year but the return generation flies south at such high altitude it is rarely observed.
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.