Cranberry Blue vs Tau Emperor Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cranberry Blue | Tau Emperor Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Plebejus optilete | Aglia tau |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Lycaenidae | Saturniidae |
| Size | 22-28 mm wingspan | 55-80 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Woodlands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, Siberia, subarctic Japan | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Cranberry Blue
A small butterfly with violet-blue upperwings in males and dark brown in females. The hindwing underside has a diagnostic metallic silver spot. It frequents boggy habitats where its larval foodplant cranberry grows.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar is tended by ants which protect it from parasitoids in exchange for sweet honeydew secretions.
Tau Emperor Moth
A day-flying silk moth with a distinctive T-shaped mark on each wing.
Did You Know?
Males fly rapidly in sunshine while females rest on tree trunks.