Long-tailed Blue vs Azalea Lace Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Long-tailed Blue | Azalea Lace Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lampides boeticus | Stephanitis pyrioides |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Lycaenidae | Tingidae |
| Size | 24-34 mm wingspan | 3-4 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Seed Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia | East Asia, North America, Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Long-tailed Blue
A small pale violet-blue butterfly with thin hairlike tails on the hindwings and prominent false eyespots near them. It is one of the most widespread butterflies in the world.
Did You Know?
The false head pattern on the hindwing tails tricks predators into attacking the wrong end of the butterfly.
Azalea Lace Bug
A tiny lace bug with beautifully ornate, net-veined wings that is a major pest of azaleas and rhododendrons. Native to East Asia, it has become established in North America and Europe. Feeding causes white stippling on leaves.
Did You Know?
Females insert their eggs into leaf tissue and cover them with a dark varnish-like substance, making them nearly invisible to predators.