Malagasy Blue Butterfly vs Giant African Prionine

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Malagasy Blue Butterfly Giant African Prionine
Scientific Name Leptomyrina phidias Tithoes confinis
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Lycaenidae Cerambycidae
Size 25-30 mm wingspan 50-80 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Madagascar West Africa, Central Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Malagasy Blue Butterfly

A small butterfly with brilliant blue upperwings in males and more subdued brown in females. The underwing surface has fine dark streaks on a silvery white background.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillars are unusual among lycaenids in feeding on lichens rather than the more typical ants or plant tissue.

Giant African Prionine

One of Africa's largest cerambycids, with powerful mandibles and a dark brown, heavily sculptured body. It is found in the tropical forests of Central and West Africa. Larvae develop in large dead trees over several years.

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Did You Know?

In some Central African communities, the large larvae are collected as a protein-rich food source.