Small Heath Butterfly vs Lichen Moth of New Zealand
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Small Heath Butterfly | Lichen Moth of New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Coenonympha pamphilus | Declana floccosa |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Geometridae |
| Size | 26-33 mm wingspan | 35-50 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Forests |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, North Africa, Western Asia | Oceania (New Zealand) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Small Heath Butterfly
A small, plain orange-brown butterfly that always rests with its wings closed. It is one of the most widespread grassland butterflies in Europe.
Did You Know?
It never opens its wings when at rest, always keeping the underwing eyespot visible as a predator deflection.
Lichen Moth of New Zealand
A beautifully camouflaged moth endemic to New Zealand that resembles a patch of lichen when resting on bark. Both the wings and body are patterned with greens, greys, and whites that perfectly mimic lichen. It is found in native forests throughout the country.
Did You Know?
This moth's lichen-like camouflage is so convincing that it even has raised scale tufts on its wings that mimic the three-dimensional texture of lichen.