Karner Blue vs Goat Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Karner Blue | Goat Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Plebejus samuelis | Cossus cossus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Lycaenidae | Cossidae |
| Size | 22-28 mm wingspan | 68-96 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | Great Lakes and northeastern United States | Europe, Asia, Africa |
| Conservation | Endangered | Least Concern |
Karner Blue
A tiny bright blue butterfly with orange crescents on the hindwing underside that depends entirely on wild lupine. It is a federally endangered species in the United States.
Did You Know?
It was first described by novelist Vladimir Nabokov, who was also a serious lepidopterist at Harvard's Museum of Comparative Zoology.
Goat Moth
A large moth whose caterpillars bore deep into hardwood trees for up to four years.
Did You Know?
Larvae emit a strong goat-like odor from which the moth gets its name.