Juniper Hairstreak vs Black Witch Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Juniper Hairstreak | Black Witch Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Callophrys gryneus | Ascalapha odorata |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Lycaenidae | Erebidae |
| Size | 22-30 mm wingspan | 120-170 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Woodlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Fruit Feeders |
| Regions | Eastern and central United States wherever red cedar grows | South America (Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Argentina) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Juniper Hairstreak
A small green hairstreak butterfly with intricate white line patterns on its hindwing underside. Its bright green underside provides camouflage among cedar foliage.
Did You Know?
Its caterpillar perfectly matches the green of cedar foliage and is nearly impossible to spot among the needles.
Black Witch Moth
One of the largest moths in the Western Hemisphere, with dark brown to black wings marked with subtle iridescent purple and pink highlights. A comma-shaped translucent spot marks each forewing. It is a strong migrant, capable of long-distance flights.
Did You Know?
In many South American cultures, it is considered an omen of death when it enters a home, earning it the Spanish name mariposa de la muerte.