Large Fruit-tree Tortrix vs Freyer's Purple Emperor
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Large Fruit-tree Tortrix | Freyer's Purple Emperor |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Archips podana | Apatura metis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Tortricidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 20-27 mm wingspan | 60-70 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Orchards | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Herbivores | Dung Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Western Asia | Southeastern Europe, Central Asia, China |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern (globally); rare and declining in Eu |
Large Fruit-tree Tortrix
A relatively large tortricid with reddish-brown males and paler females. It is a common pest in orchards where larvae web leaves together.
Did You Know?
Males fly in a characteristic zigzag pattern when following a female pheromone trail.
Freyer's Purple Emperor
A large, powerful butterfly closely related to the purple emperor but restricted to river valleys. Males display a brilliant purple-blue iridescence on the upper wing surface.
Did You Know?
Males patrol narrow sections of riverbank at high speed, chasing away all other large insects.