Merveille du Jour vs Common Sootywing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Merveille du Jour Common Sootywing
Scientific Name Griposia aprilina Pholisora catullus
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Noctuidae Hesperiidae
Size 40-48 mm wingspan 22-28 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Gardens
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, western Asia United States and southern Canada
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Merveille du Jour

A strikingly camouflaged moth with green and black lichen-like patterning on its forewings. It rests on oak bark where it becomes virtually invisible.

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Did You Know?

Its French name means 'marvel of the day' due to its extraordinary camouflage.

Common Sootywing

A very small sooty-black skipper with scattered tiny white spots on the forewings. It is a common but easily overlooked butterfly of disturbed habitats and gardens.

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Did You Know?

It thrives in weedy urban areas that most butterflies avoid, making it a true butterfly of the city.