Malay Lacewing vs Arctic Sulphur

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Malay Lacewing Arctic Sulphur
Scientific Name Cethosia hypsea Colias nastes
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Nymphalidae Pieridae
Size 80-100 mm wingspan 36-46 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Tundra & Arctic
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Borneo, Sumatra, Indonesia) Arctic Canada, Alaska, Greenland, Rocky Mountain alpine zones
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Malay Lacewing

A vividly colored butterfly with deep orange-red wings outlined in black with white spots along the margins. The undersides are even more intricately patterned with lace-like white and orange designs.

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Did You Know?

The intricate lacework pattern on the wing undersides gives this genus its common name and helps break up the butterfly's outline when resting.

Arctic Sulphur

A pale greenish-white butterfly with dusky wing margins and small dark discal spots. Its subdued coloration helps it absorb warmth while basking with wings spread. It rarely strays far from its alpine or arctic habitat.

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Did You Know?

On overcast days, this butterfly can raise its body temperature 10 degrees above air temperature by basking laterally to maximize solar absorption.