Small Copper vs Spurge Hawkmoth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Small Copper | Spurge Hawkmoth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lycaena phlaeas | Hyles euphorbiae |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Lycaenidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 26-36 mm wingspan | 60-80 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Heathland | Farmland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North Africa, North America | Europe, Central Asia |
| 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.
Spurge Hawkmoth
A striking hawkmoth with olive and pink forewings and rosy-red hindwings with a black base. Its caterpillar is equally spectacular with red, black, yellow, and white markings.
Did You Know?
It has been introduced to North America as a biological control agent for invasive leafy spurge.