Green Hairstreak vs Abbott's Sphinx Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Green Hairstreak | Abbott's Sphinx Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Callophrys rubi | Sphecodina abbottii |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Lycaenidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | Wingspan 26-34mm | 50-70 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Underground |
| Diet | Herbivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, Africa | Eastern North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Green Hairstreak
A small butterfly with plain brown uppersides but stunning iridescent green undersides. It always rests with wings closed showing only the green underside.
Did You Know?
It is the only green butterfly in Britain and its color comes from photonic crystals in the wing scales not pigment.
Abbott's Sphinx Moth
A unique hawk moth with scalloped brown wings and a yellow and brown banded body resembling a large hornet. Its flight is rapid and bee-like, flying mainly at dusk.
Did You Know?
Abbott's sphinx is named after John Abbott, an 18th-century English naturalist who produced over 3,000 paintings of Georgian insects.