White-letter Hairstreak vs Leaf-footed Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute White-letter Hairstreak Leaf-footed Bug
Scientific Name Satyrium w-album Leptoglossus occidentalis
Order Lepidoptera Hemiptera
Family Lycaenidae Coreidae
Size Wingspan 26-30mm 16-20 mm
Habitat Hedgerows Orchards
Diet Seed Feeders Seed Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia North America, Europe
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.

Leaf-footed Bug

A medium to large brown bug with a distinctive white zigzag band across the wings and flattened, leaf-like expansions on the hind tibiae. It feeds on developing conifer seeds.

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Did You Know?

Originally native to western North America, this bug has rapidly invaded Europe since 1999, spreading across the entire continent in just two decades.