Sulkowsky's Morpho vs Ilex Hairstreak

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sulkowsky's Morpho Ilex Hairstreak
Scientific Name Morpho sulkowskyi Satyrium ilicis
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Nymphalidae Lycaenidae
Size 90-110 mm wingspan 30-36 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Woodlands
Diet Sap Feeders Herbivores
Regions South America (Peru, Bolivia, Colombia) Southern and central Europe, western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Sulkowsky's Morpho

A high-altitude Morpho butterfly with translucent, pearly-white wings that display a subtle blue iridescence. Unlike most Morpho species, its wings are semi-transparent and appear to glow in sunlight. It frequents cloud forest clearings in the Andes.

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Did You Know?

Its translucent wings produce an unusual pearl-like sheen caused by a combination of structural coloration and very thin wing membranes.

Ilex Hairstreak

A small dark brown butterfly with an orange band on the underside of its hindwings and a tiny tail projection. It is strongly associated with young oak growth and coppiced woodland.

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Did You Know?

Despite its name suggesting holly (ilex), it feeds exclusively on oak and was misidentified when first described.