Saddleback Caterpillar Moth vs Red-banded Hairstreak

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Saddleback Caterpillar Moth Red-banded Hairstreak
Scientific Name Acharia stimulea Calycopis cecrops
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Limacodidae Lycaenidae
Size 26-35 mm wingspan 22-30 mm wingspan
Habitat Orchards Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Eastern North America North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Saddleback Caterpillar Moth

A dark brown moth best known for its extraordinary caterpillar, which is bright green with a brown saddle-shaped marking and venomous spines. The sting causes intense burning pain.

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Did You Know?

Its sting is among the most painful of any North American caterpillar and can cause nausea in sensitive individuals.

Red-banded Hairstreak

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

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Did You Know?

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