Greenland Copper vs Vine Hawk Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Greenland Copper | Vine Hawk Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lycaena phlaeas polaris | Hippotion velox |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Lycaenidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 22-28 mm wingspan | 55-70 mm |
| Habitat | Tundra & Arctic | Woodlands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Greenland, Iceland, Arctic Scandinavia | Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia |
| 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.
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.
Vine Hawk Moth
A sleek olive-brown hawk moth with a distinctive pale dorsal stripe. It is widespread across Africa and Asia, and is one of the most commonly encountered sphingids in Australia.
Did You Know?
Hippotion velox is one of the most common hawk moths encountered in Australian suburban gardens, where it is attracted to outdoor lights.