Western Spruce Budworm vs Lotis Blue Butterfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Western Spruce Budworm | Lotis Blue Butterfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Choristoneura occidentalis | Lycaeides argyrognomon lotis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Tortricidae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 22-28 mm wingspan | 2-2.5 cm wingspan |
| Habitat | Mountains | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | North America | United States |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Critically Endangered |
Western Spruce Budworm
A major defoliator of Douglas-fir and true firs in western North America. Repeated defoliation leads to growth loss and tree mortality.
Did You Know?
Fire suppression has increased susceptibility of western forests to budworm outbreaks.
Lotis Blue Butterfly
A small blue butterfly historically found in sphagnum bog habitats in coastal Mendocino County, California. It has not been seen since 1983.
Did You Know?
Despite extensive searches, no living individuals have been found in over 40 years.