Common Quaker vs Sonoran Blue

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Quaker Sonoran Blue
Scientific Name Orthosia cerasi Philotes sonorensis
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Noctuidae Lycaenidae
Size 32-38 mm wingspan 18-22 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Farmland
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe Western North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Common Quaker

A drab but very common spring moth attracted to sallow blossom. Variable brown coloring. Named 'quaker' for its plain, modest appearance. Larvae feed on many deciduous trees.

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Did You Know?

Named 'Quaker' because its plain brown appearance was compared to the modest dress of the Quaker community.

Sonoran Blue

Tiny blue butterfly with orange and black hindwing spots. One of the earliest-flying butterflies of the year in the American West.

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Did You Know?

Adults fly as early as February, when few other butterflies are active in their range.