Karner Blue vs Verdant Sphinx Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Karner Blue Verdant Sphinx Moth
Scientific Name Plebejus samuelis Euchloron megaera
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Lycaenidae Sphingidae
Size 22-28 mm wingspan 85-110 mm wingspan
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Underground
Diet Omnivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Great Lakes and northeastern United States 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.

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Did You Know?

It was first described by novelist Vladimir Nabokov, who was also a serious lepidopterist at Harvard's Museum of Comparative Zoology.

Verdant Sphinx Moth

A large green and brown hawk moth that pollinates tropical flowers at dusk.

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Did You Know?

Its caterpillar has a large eyespot that makes it resemble a small snake.