Common Blue Butterfly vs Red Admiral
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Blue Butterfly | Red Admiral |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Polyommatus icarus | Vanessa atalanta |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Lycaenidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 28-36 mm wingspan | 56-62 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Gardens |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Fruit Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, North Africa, Asia | Europe, North America, North Africa, Asia |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Its caterpillars secrete a sweet honeydew that attracts ants, which in turn protect them from predators.
Red Admiral
A bold black butterfly with red-orange bands and white spots, commonly seen in gardens. It is a strong migrant and occasional overwinterer.
Did You Know?
In autumn it is strongly attracted to fermenting fallen fruit and can become intoxicated on the alcohol.