Green Hairstreak vs Red Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Green Hairstreak Red Lacewing
Scientific Name Callophrys rubi Cethosia biblis
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Lycaenidae Nymphalidae
Size Wingspan 26-34mm 80-95 mm wingspan
Habitat Heathland Underground
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia, Africa Southeast Asia (Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam)
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.

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Did You Know?

It is the only green butterfly in Britain and its color comes from photonic crystals in the wing scales not pigment.

Red Lacewing

A large butterfly with brilliant red-orange wings boldly bordered in black and white. The underside features an elaborate network of red, white, and black in a striking lacework pattern.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillars are gregarious and covered in branching spines that deliver a mild sting, providing collective defense against predators.