Common Blue Butterfly vs Luna Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Blue Butterfly Luna Moth
Scientific Name Polyommatus icarus Actias luna
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Lycaenidae Saturniidae
Size 28-36 mm wingspan 80-115 mm wingspan
Habitat Grasslands Woodlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe, North Africa, Asia North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Common Blue Butterfly

A small butterfly where males are vivid violet-blue and females are brown with orange spots. It is the most widespread blue butterfly in Europe.

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Did You Know?

Its caterpillars secrete a sweet honeydew that attracts ants, which in turn protect them from predators.

Luna Moth

A stunning lime-green moth with long trailing hindwing tails. Adults live only about one week. The long tails confuse bat echolocation by creating false echoes.

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Did You Know?

The luna moths long tail streamers confuse bat sonar — they spin behind the moth creating acoustic illusions that cause bats to miss their target 47% of the time.