Copper Jewel vs Eye Gnat
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Copper Jewel | Eye Gnat |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hypochrysops ignitus | Liohippelates pusio |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Lycaenidae | Chloropidae |
| Size | 28-34 mm wingspan | 1.5-2.5 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Farmland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Australia | Southern United States, Central America, Caribbean |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Copper Jewel
Brilliant coppery-orange upper wings with iridescent purple-blue reflections. One of Australia's most striking lycaenid butterflies.
Did You Know?
Caterpillars are attended by meat ants that protect them in exchange for sugary secretions.
Eye Gnat
A tiny, shiny black fly attracted to eye and wound secretions of humans and animals. It is a suspected mechanical vector of bacterial conjunctivitis and yaws in tropical regions. Its persistent swarming around the face makes it an extremely annoying pest in agricultural areas.
Did You Know?
These flies are so strongly attracted to eye secretions that they will persistently return to a person's face even after being brushed away dozens of times.