Hag Moth vs Silky Hairstreak
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Hag Moth | Silky Hairstreak |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phobetron pithecium | Pseudalmenus chlorinda |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Limacodidae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 20-28 mm wingspan | 2.5-3.5 cm wingspan |
| Habitat | Orchards | Woodlands |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Australia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Hag Moth
A furry brown moth whose larva is called the monkey slug due to its bizarre shape with curly fleshy lateral projections. The caterpillar looks nothing like a typical lepidopteran larva.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar's curly brown appendages are thought to mimic a shed tarantula skin to deter predators.
Silky Hairstreak
A small dark butterfly with metallic blue-green sheen and orange-spotted hindwing tails. Its larvae have a mutualistic relationship with ants.
Did You Know?
Ants guard the caterpillars in exchange for sugary secretions from special glands on the larvae.