Malagasy Blue Butterfly vs Orange-tip
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Malagasy Blue Butterfly | Orange-tip |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Leptomyrina phidias | Anthocharis cardamines |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Lycaenidae | Pieridae |
| Size | 25-30 mm wingspan | 38-48 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Woodlands |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Madagascar | Europe, Asia |
| 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.
Did You Know?
The caterpillars are unusual among lycaenids in feeding on lichens rather than the more typical ants or plant tissue.
Orange-tip
Males have bright orange wingtips; females are plain white with black tips. A herald of spring in European woodlands.
Did You Know?
Males patrol hedgerows searching for freshly emerged females, never visiting the same flower patch twice.