Common Blue Butterfly vs Small Ranunculus
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Blue Butterfly | Small Ranunculus |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Polyommatus icarus | Hecatera dysodea |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Lycaenidae | Noctuidae |
| Size | 28-36 mm wingspan | 30-36 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Farmland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, North Africa, Asia | Europe, western Asia, North Africa |
| 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.
Small Ranunculus
A subtly attractive moth with pale grey-green wings marked with intricate darker patterns. It was once rare in Britain but has expanded its range northward in recent decades.
Did You Know?
It is one of few moths whose caterpillars feed on cultivated lettuce, making it an occasional garden pest.