Zebra Longwing vs Small Emerald Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Zebra Longwing Small Emerald Moth
Scientific Name Heliconius charithonia Hemistola chrysoprasaria
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Nymphalidae Geometridae
Size 72-100 mm wingspan 28-33 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Heathland
Diet Pollen Feeders Omnivores
Regions North America, Central America, South America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Zebra Longwing

A neotropical butterfly with elongated jet-black wings bearing bold pale yellow stripes. It is unusual among butterflies for feeding on pollen in addition to nectar.

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Did You Know?

This butterfly can digest pollen by dissolving it with saliva on its proboscis, providing amino acids that allow adults to live six months or longer.

Small Emerald Moth

A small, delicate moth with uniformly pale green wings and fine white fringe. It is one of the daintiest European emerald moths.

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Did You Know?

It feeds exclusively on wild clematis, making it confined to areas where this plant grows.