Small Fan-footed Wave vs Pearl Charaxes

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Small Fan-footed Wave Pearl Charaxes
Scientific Name Idaea biselata Charaxes varanes
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Geometridae Nymphalidae
Size 20-24 mm wingspan 55-70 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Underground
Diet Herbivores Sap Feeders
Regions Europe Sub-Saharan Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Small Fan-footed Wave

A small, delicate moth with pale buff wings and fine dark cross-lines. Common in deciduous woodland. Larvae feed on dead leaves on the woodland floor.

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Did You Know?

Named for the male's fan-shaped front legs that are displayed during courtship.

Pearl Charaxes

A medium-sized charaxes butterfly with pearly white underwings and tawny-orange uppersides. It is one of the most common charaxes in southern Africa.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most butterflies, charaxes are attracted to rotting fruit and animal droppings rather than flowers.