Imbrasia Silk Moth vs Small Copper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Imbrasia Silk Moth | Small Copper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Imbrasia epimethea | Lycaena phlaeas |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Saturniidae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 90-130 mm | 26-36 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Heathland |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | West and Central Africa | Europe, Asia, North Africa, North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Imbrasia Silk Moth
A large West African saturniid with reddish-brown wings bearing dark eyespots. Its caterpillars are among the most widely consumed edible insects in the Congo Basin.
Did You Know?
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, caterpillars of Imbrasia epimethea are a staple food and are sold in markets throughout the country.
Small Copper
A vivid little butterfly with burnished copper-orange forewings spotted with black. It is feisty and territorial for its size, frequently chasing other butterflies from its perch.
Did You Know?
Rare aberrant individuals have blue spots on the hindwing and are prized by collectors.