Red-banded Hairstreak vs Australian Magpie Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Red-banded Hairstreak Australian Magpie Moth
Scientific Name Calycopis cecrops Nyctemera amica
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Lycaenidae Erebidae
Size 22-30 mm wingspan 35-45 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Underground
Diet Nectar Feeders Predators
Regions North America Australia, New Zealand
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Red-banded Hairstreak

Small dark butterfly with a prominent red-orange postmedian band on the underside. Hindwings bear false head pattern with tails.

💡

Did You Know?

Its larvae are detritivores, uniquely feeding on decomposing fallen leaves rather than live foliage.

Australian Magpie Moth

A striking day-flying black and white moth from Australasia. Caterpillars feed on groundsel and ragwort, sequestering toxic alkaloids. The bold pattern warns predators of its toxicity.

💡

Did You Know?

Its bold black and white pattern serves as a warning to predators that it contains toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids.