Essex Skipper vs Hercules Moth of South America
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Essex Skipper | Hercules Moth of South America |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Thymelicus lineola | Copaxa multifenestrata |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Hesperiidae | Saturniidae |
| Size | 26-30 mm wingspan | 100-130 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Forests |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, western Asia (introduced to North America) | South America (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Essex Skipper
A small orange-brown skipper so similar to the small skipper that it was not recognised as a separate British species until 1889. The undersides of its antenna tips are black, not orange.
Did You Know?
It was overlooked in Britain for over a century because it was confused with the nearly identical small skipper.
Hercules Moth of South America
A large silk moth with brown wings bearing multiple translucent windows that give it its species name. The wing margins are scalloped and the body is densely furred. It is found in Andean cloud forests where adults fly at night and are attracted to lights.
Did You Know?
The transparent windows in its wings may serve to break up the moth's silhouette, confusing bat echolocation and helping it avoid predation.