Mountain Ringlet vs Sonoran Silk Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mountain Ringlet | Sonoran Silk Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Erebia epiphron | Sphingicampa hubbardi |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Saturniidae |
| Size | 32-38 mm wingspan | 50-70 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Mountains | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Mountain ranges of Europe (Alps, Pyrenees, Scotland, Lake District) | Arizona, Sonoran Desert of Mexico |
| Conservation | Least Concern (vulnerable to climate change) | Least Concern |
Mountain Ringlet
A small dark brown butterfly with orange-ringed eyespots found only at high altitudes. In Britain it is the only truly alpine butterfly, flying above 500 metres.
Did You Know?
It only flies in sunshine and immediately drops into the grass the moment a cloud covers the sun.
Sonoran Silk Moth
A small saturniid moth with warm pinkish-tan wings and minimal patterning. It is adapted to the harsh desert environment of the American Southwest.
Did You Know?
Its cocoon is spun loosely among leaf litter and is uniquely adapted to survive extreme desert heat.