Scarce Copper vs Brimstone Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Scarce Copper | Brimstone Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lycaena virgaureae | Opisthograptis luteolata |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Lycaenidae | Geometridae |
| Size | 30-38 mm wingspan | 33-40 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Mountains | Underground |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, temperate Asia | Europe, western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Scarce Copper
A brilliant fiery-orange butterfly with black-spotted forewings, the male being one of the most intensely coloured European butterflies. Females are more subdued with brown-spotted orange wings.
Did You Know?
Males are so brilliantly orange they can be spotted from over 50 metres away in sunlit meadows.
Brimstone Moth
A bright yellow moth with chestnut-brown blotches along the leading edge of each wing. It is a common and cheerful visitor to lighted windows in summer.
Did You Know?
Despite sharing a name with the brimstone butterfly, the two species are not closely related at all.