Silver-washed Fritillary vs Brown Hairstreak
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Silver-washed Fritillary | Brown Hairstreak |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Argynnis paphia | Thecla betulae |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 54-70 mm wingspan | 36-40 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Hedgerows |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Europe, temperate Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern (declining in parts of range) |
Silver-washed Fritillary
A large, fast-flying butterfly with bright orange upperwings marked with black spots and streaks. The hindwing underside has distinctive silvery-green washed streaks.
Did You Know?
Males perform a spectacular aerial courtship display, flying loops underneath the female while releasing pheromones from specialized wing scales.
Brown Hairstreak
A secretive butterfly with rich brown wings and an orange flash on the female's forewings. Adults spend most of their time in tree canopies, rarely descending to ground level.
Did You Know?
Eggs are laid singly on blackthorn and are easier to find in winter than the elusive adults are in summer.