Greenland Copper vs Achilles Morpho

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Greenland Copper Achilles Morpho
Scientific Name Lycaena phlaeas polaris Morpho achilles
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Lycaenidae Nymphalidae
Size 22-28 mm wingspan 95-120 mm wingspan
Habitat Tundra & Arctic Forests
Diet Nectar Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions Greenland, Iceland, Arctic Scandinavia Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Greenland Copper

The Arctic subspecies of the small copper butterfly, smaller and darker than its temperate counterparts. The forewings are bright copper-orange with dark spots. It is one of few butterflies found in southern Greenland.

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Did You Know?

The Greenland population is believed to have survived the last Ice Age in a coastal refugium, making it a true glacial relict.

Achilles Morpho

A medium-sized morpho with a bright blue band across dark brown-black wings. It flies rapidly through the forest understory in a distinctive bobbing pattern.

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Did You Know?

Its blue band appears to flash on and off as it flies, because the brown undersides show with each wingbeat.