Japanese Copper vs Willoughby's Leafcutter Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Japanese Copper | Willoughby's Leafcutter Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lycaena phlaeas daimio | Megachile willughbiella |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Lycaenidae | Megachilidae |
| Size | 22-30 mm wingspan | 12-16 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Woodlands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | East Asia, Japan | Europe, Central Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Japanese Copper
The Japanese subspecies of the small copper butterfly, known as 'beni-shijimi.' A small but brilliantly colored butterfly with fiery orange-copper wings. One of the most common butterflies in Japan.
Did You Know?
Male small coppers are aggressively territorial and will challenge insects much larger than themselves, including large butterflies and dragonflies.
Willoughby's Leafcutter Bee
A large, furry leafcutter bee common across Europe that nests in a variety of above-ground cavities. It is named after the 17th-century English naturalist Francis Willughby.
Did You Know?
Females have been recorded cutting leaf pieces from over 20 different plant species to construct a single nest.