Japanese Oakblue vs European Eosentomid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Japanese Oakblue European Eosentomid
Scientific Name Arhopala japonica Eosentomon transitorium
Order Lepidoptera Protura
Family Lycaenidae Eosentomidae
Size 30-40 mm wingspan 1.0-1.5 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Nectar Feeders Detritivores
Regions East Asia, Japan Europe
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Japanese Oakblue

A beautiful lycaenid butterfly with brilliant metallic blue upperwings and cryptic brown underwings. Found in oak forests where its larvae live in association with ants. Known as 'murasaki-shijimi.'

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Did You Know?

The caterpillars produce sweet secretions that attract ants, which then guard them from predators in a mutualistic relationship.

European Eosentomid

A well-known European proturan found in various soil types from forests to grasslands. It is one of the most frequently collected eosentomid species.

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Did You Know?

This proturan can be found in densities of up to several thousand per square meter in rich forest soils.