Hercules Moth vs Cranberry Blue
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Hercules Moth | Cranberry Blue |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Coscinocera hercules | Plebejus optilete |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Saturniidae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 270 mm wingspan | 22-28 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Underground |
| Diet | Omnivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Oceania | Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, Siberia, subarctic Japan |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Hercules Moth
Has the largest wing area of any moth — up to 300 square centimeters. Named after Hercules for its great size. Adults live only about two weeks and do not eat.
Did You Know?
The Hercules moth has the largest wing surface area of any insect on Earth — its wings can cover an area larger than an open human hand.
Cranberry Blue
A small butterfly with violet-blue upperwings in males and dark brown in females. The hindwing underside has a diagnostic metallic silver spot. It frequents boggy habitats where its larval foodplant cranberry grows.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar is tended by ants which protect it from parasitoids in exchange for sweet honeydew secretions.