White-letter Hairstreak vs Oak Eggar
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | White-letter Hairstreak | Oak Eggar |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Satyrium w-album | Lasiocampa quercus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Lycaenidae | Lasiocampidae |
| Size | Wingspan 26-30mm | 50-75 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Hedgerows | Heathland |
| Diet | Seed Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Europe, North Africa, western 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.
Did You Know?
Has declined dramatically due to Dutch elm disease destroying its food plant across Europe.
Oak Eggar
A robust moth with rich brown wings and a distinctive white spot on each forewing. Males are active fast fliers during the day, while females fly at night.
Did You Know?
Males can detect a female's pheromones from several kilometres away.