Italian Snakefly vs Purple Hairstreak
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Italian Snakefly | Purple Hairstreak |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Subilla confinis | Favonius quercus |
| Order | Raphidioptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Raphidiidae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 10-14 mm | 31-40 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Southern Europe, Mediterranean region | Europe, western Asia, North Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Italian Snakefly
A Mediterranean snakefly found in warm woodlands of southern Europe. It is associated with pine and oak forests where larvae develop under loose bark.
Did You Know?
Mediterranean snakeflies are adapted to warmer climates than most of their relatives and can tolerate drier conditions.
Purple Hairstreak
A small dark butterfly with a purple-blue sheen visible only at certain angles, living almost exclusively in oak canopies. It feeds on honeydew rather than visiting flowers.
Did You Know?
Colonies can exist undetected for years because the butterflies almost never leave the treetops.