Lichen Moth of New Zealand vs Violet Copper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lichen Moth of New Zealand | Violet Copper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Declana floccosa | Lycaena helle |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Geometridae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 35-50 mm wingspan | 24-30 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand) | Northern and central Europe, Siberia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
Lichen Moth of New Zealand
A beautifully camouflaged moth endemic to New Zealand that resembles a patch of lichen when resting on bark. Both the wings and body are patterned with greens, greys, and whites that perfectly mimic lichen. It is found in native forests throughout the country.
Did You Know?
This moth's lichen-like camouflage is so convincing that it even has raised scale tufts on its wings that mimic the three-dimensional texture of lichen.
Violet Copper
A tiny butterfly whose males display a vivid violet-purple sheen over coppery-orange wings. It is one of Europe's rarest and most localised coppers.
Did You Know?
It is so rare in western Europe that individual colonies receive specific conservation management plans.