Large Copper Butterfly vs Cuban Clear-winged Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Large Copper Butterfly Cuban Clear-winged Moth
Scientific Name Lycaena dispar Carmenta bassiformis
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Lycaenidae Sesiidae
Size 33-40 mm wingspan 20-30 mm wingspan
Habitat Wetlands Underground
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions Europe, Asia Cuba
Conservation Near Threatened Not Evaluated

Large Copper Butterfly

Once widespread across European wetlands, the English subspecies went extinct in the 1850s. Remaining populations are declining due to drainage of fens and marshes.

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Did You Know?

The English subspecies of the large copper was one of the first British butterflies to go extinct — driven to extinction by drainage of the East Anglian fens in the 1850s.

Cuban Clear-winged Moth

A wasp-mimicking moth found in Cuba with transparent wings. Its narrow body and buzzing flight closely resemble a small wasp.

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Did You Know?

Its near-perfect wasp mimicry deters birds and other visual predators.