Satin Moth vs Violet Copper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Satin Moth Violet Copper
Scientific Name Leucoma salicis Lycaena helle
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Erebidae Lycaenidae
Size 40-55 mm wingspan 24-30 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, Asia (introduced to North America) Northern and central Europe, Siberia
Conservation Least Concern Near Threatened

Satin Moth

A pure white moth with a satin-like sheen and strikingly chequered black-and-white legs. It can become a serious defoliator of poplar and willow trees.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillar's hairs can cause skin irritation in humans, similar to a mild rash.

Violet Copper

A tiny butterfly whose males display a vivid violet-purple sheen over coppery-orange wings. It is one of Europe's rarest and most localised coppers.

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Did You Know?

It is so rare in western Europe that individual colonies receive specific conservation management plans.