Violet Copper vs Brown-tail Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Violet Copper | Brown-tail Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lycaena helle | Euproctis chrysorrhoea |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Lycaenidae | Erebidae |
| Size | 24-30 mm wingspan | 36-42 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Omnivores | Fruit Feeders |
| Regions | Northern and central Europe, Siberia | Europe, western Asia (introduced to North America) |
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
Violet Copper
A tiny butterfly whose males display a vivid violet-purple sheen over coppery-orange wings. It is one of Europe's rarest and most localised coppers.
Did You Know?
It is so rare in western Europe that individual colonies receive specific conservation management plans.
Brown-tail Moth
A white moth with a conspicuous brown tuft of hairs at the tip of its abdomen, used to cover its eggs. The caterpillar's hairs are highly irritating and can cause widespread rashes.
Did You Know?
Shed caterpillar hairs can become airborne and cause respiratory distress in people kilometres from the colony.