Malagasy Blue Butterfly vs Sachem Skipper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Malagasy Blue Butterfly Sachem Skipper
Scientific Name Leptomyrina phidias Atalopedes campestris
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Lycaenidae Hesperiidae
Size 25-30 mm wingspan 25-36 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Grasslands
Diet Wood Feeders Omnivores
Regions Madagascar Throughout the United States, more common in the south
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.

Sachem Skipper

A small tawny-orange skipper with a distinctive large dark patch on the male's forewing. Females are darker with more mottled patterns.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the most abundant skippers on American lawns, thriving in mowed Bermuda grass.