Ilex Hairstreak vs Bark Gnawing Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Ilex Hairstreak Bark Gnawing Beetle
Scientific Name Satyrium ilicis Trogossita japonica
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Lycaenidae Trogossitidae
Size 30-36 mm wingspan 12-18 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Predators
Regions Southern and central Europe, western Asia East Asia
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Ilex Hairstreak

A small dark brown butterfly with an orange band on the underside of its hindwings and a tiny tail projection. It is strongly associated with young oak growth and coppiced woodland.

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Did You Know?

Despite its name suggesting holly (ilex), it feeds exclusively on oak and was misidentified when first described.

Bark Gnawing Beetle

A predatory beetle found under bark where it hunts wood-boring larvae. Its flattened body is well suited to life in bark crevices.

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Did You Know?

It is considered a beneficial species because it preys on destructive bark beetles.