Juniper Hairstreak vs Feathered Thorn

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Juniper Hairstreak Feathered Thorn
Scientific Name Callophrys gryneus Colotois pennaria
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Lycaenidae Geometridae
Size 22-30 mm wingspan 40-50 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Eastern and central United States wherever red cedar grows Europe, western Asia
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.

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Did You Know?

Its caterpillar perfectly matches the green of cedar foliage and is nearly impossible to spot among the needles.

Feathered Thorn

An autumn-flying moth with warm orange-brown wings and males bearing dramatically feathered antennae. It flies late in the year when few other moths are active.

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Did You Know?

Males use their enormous feathered antennae to detect female pheromones on cold autumn nights.