Violet Copper vs Spurge Hawkmoth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Violet Copper | Spurge Hawkmoth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lycaena helle | Hyles euphorbiae |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Lycaenidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 24-30 mm wingspan | 60-80 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Farmland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Northern and central Europe, Siberia | Europe, Central Asia |
| 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.
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.