Pepe Para Riki (Common Copper) vs Indian Tussock Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Pepe Para Riki (Common Copper) | Indian Tussock Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lycaena salustius | Euproctis lunata |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Lycaenidae | Erebidae |
| Size | 20-30 mm wingspan | 25-35 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Farmland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand) | South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Pepe Para Riki (Common Copper)
New Zealand's most common endemic butterfly, a small copper-coloured species found in open habitats throughout the country. Males are bright coppery-orange above while females are duller with more dark markings. Larvae feed on native Muehlenbeckia vines.
Did You Know?
The common copper is the only representative of the family Lycaenidae native to New Zealand.
Indian Tussock Moth
A yellow-brown moth with a distinctive dark crescent marking on the forewings. Its brightly colored, hairy caterpillars are covered in urticating hairs that cause severe skin rashes on contact.
Did You Know?
The urticating hairs of the caterpillar can cause painful welts and dermatitis lasting several days in people who handle them.