Common Blue Butterfly vs Thick-legged Flower Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Blue Butterfly Thick-legged Flower Beetle
Scientific Name Polyommatus icarus Oedemera nobilis
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Lycaenidae Oedemeridae
Size 28-36 mm wingspan 8-12mm
Habitat Grasslands Underground
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, North Africa, Asia Europe
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.

Thick-legged Flower Beetle

A metallic green beetle with splayed elytra that expose the wings. Males have distinctively swollen hind femora.

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Did You Know?

Despite being an important pollinator this beetle is often mistaken for a green fly due to its shiny metallic color.