White-letter Hairstreak vs Iron Prominent Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute White-letter Hairstreak Iron Prominent Moth
Scientific Name Satyrium w-album Notodonta dromedarius
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Lycaenidae Notodontidae
Size Wingspan 26-30mm 40-48 mm wingspan
Habitat Hedgerows Woodlands
Diet Seed Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe, Asia Europe, Asia
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

White-letter Hairstreak

A small dark butterfly with a distinctive W-shaped white line on the hindwing underside. Breeds on elm.

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Did You Know?

Has declined dramatically due to Dutch elm disease destroying its food plant across Europe.

Iron Prominent Moth

A richly colored moth with rusty-brown forewings marked with yellow and dark patches. Its caterpillar sports a dramatic dorsal hump like a dromedary camel.

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Did You Know?

Its scientific name dromedarius refers to the camel-like hump on its caterpillar's back.