Ilex Hairstreak vs Indian Tortoiseshell
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Ilex Hairstreak | Indian Tortoiseshell |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Satyrium ilicis | Aglais caschmirensis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Lycaenidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 30-36 mm wingspan | 55-65 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Mountains |
| Diet | Herbivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Southern and central Europe, western Asia | South Asia (India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, Himalayan region) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Did You Know?
Despite its name suggesting holly (ilex), it feeds exclusively on oak and was misidentified when first described.
Indian Tortoiseshell
A beautiful butterfly with rich orange-brown wings edged with blue spots and irregular dark markings. It is found in the Himalayan highlands and is closely related to the European tortoiseshell butterflies.
Did You Know?
This butterfly can survive at elevations over 4000 meters in the Himalayas, basking on sun-warmed rocks to thermoregulate.