Tawny-edged Skipper vs Lichen Moth of New Zealand
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Tawny-edged Skipper | Lichen Moth of New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Polites themistocles | Declana floccosa |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Hesperiidae | Geometridae |
| Size | 20-27 mm wingspan | 35-50 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Forests |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Eastern and Central North America | Oceania (New Zealand) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Tawny-edged Skipper
A small brown skipper with a warm orange-tawny leading edge on the forewing. It is one of the most common grass skippers in eastern North America but is easily overlooked.
Did You Know?
It is named after the ancient Athenian general Themistocles, following a tradition of naming skippers after classical figures.
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.