Cuban Dagger Moth vs Skipper Butterfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cuban Dagger Moth Skipper Butterfly
Scientific Name Acronicta oblinita Epargyreus clarus
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Noctuidae Hesperiidae
Size 35-45 mm wingspan 44-67 mm wingspan
Habitat Wetlands Farmland
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Cuba, Caribbean, North America North America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Cuban Dagger Moth

A moth found in Cuba and North America whose caterpillars bear dense tufts of hair. Adults are grayish with subtle dagger-like markings on the forewings.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillar's dense hairs can cause skin irritation if handled.

Skipper Butterfly

A stout-bodied butterfly with hooked antennae, brown wings with golden spots on the forewing, and a distinctive silver patch on the hindwing underside. It has a rapid, darting flight.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillar builds a silk-lined leaf shelter and can eject its droppings up to 150 centimeters away to avoid attracting parasitic wasps.