Herald Moth vs African Commodore Butterfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Herald Moth African Commodore Butterfly
Scientific Name Scoliopteryx libatrix Precis pelarga
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Erebidae Nymphalidae
Size 40-46 mm wingspan 45-55 mm wingspan
Habitat Caves Grasslands
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia, North America Southern Africa, East Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Herald Moth

A distinctive moth with scalloped wing edges and orange patches that hibernates in caves, cellars, and outbuildings. One of the first moths to be seen each spring. Adults resemble dead leaves.

💡

Did You Know?

Often hibernates in caves alongside bats, and can survive freezing temperatures during winter.

African Commodore Butterfly

A medium-sized butterfly with warm orange-brown wings and subtle eyespots near the wing margins. It is common in open bushveld and grasslands.

💡

Did You Know?

Dry-season and wet-season forms look so different they were originally described as separate species.