Small Copper vs Leopard Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Small Copper Leopard Moth
Scientific Name Lycaena phlaeas Zeuzera pyrina
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Lycaenidae Cossidae
Size 26-36 mm wingspan 45-70 mm wingspan
Habitat Heathland Gardens
Diet Nectar Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia, North Africa, North America Europe, Asia, North Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Small Copper

A vivid little butterfly with burnished copper-orange forewings spotted with black. It is feisty and territorial for its size, frequently chasing other butterflies from its perch.

💡

Did You Know?

Rare aberrant individuals have blue spots on the hindwing and are prized by collectors.

Leopard Moth

A striking white moth covered in black spots like a snow leopard's coat. Its wood-boring larvae can cause serious damage to fruit and ornamental trees.

💡

Did You Know?

Larvae can bore tunnels up to 50 cm long inside tree branches, sometimes causing limbs to snap.