Silverhorn Caddisfly vs Freyer's Purple Emperor

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Silverhorn Caddisfly Freyer's Purple Emperor
Scientific Name Athripsodes cinereus Apatura metis
Order Trichoptera Lepidoptera
Family Leptoceridae Nymphalidae
Size 8-12 mm 60-70 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Detritivores Dung Feeders
Regions Europe Southeastern Europe, Central Asia, China
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern (globally); rare and declining in Eu

Silverhorn Caddisfly

A delicate caddisfly with silvery-grey wings and very long antennae. It is common near lakes and slow rivers across Europe.

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Did You Know?

Silverhorn caddisflies often rest with their long antennae held forward and together, resembling a single horn.

Freyer's Purple Emperor

A large, powerful butterfly closely related to the purple emperor but restricted to river valleys. Males display a brilliant purple-blue iridescence on the upper wing surface.

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Did You Know?

Males patrol narrow sections of riverbank at high speed, chasing away all other large insects.