White-letter Hairstreak vs Birch Catkin Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | White-letter Hairstreak | Birch Catkin Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Satyrium w-album | Kleidocerys resedae |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Lycaenidae | Lygaeidae |
| Size | Wingspan 26-30mm | 4-5 mm |
| Habitat | Hedgerows | Woodlands |
| Diet | Seed Feeders | Seed Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Europe, northern Asia, North America |
| 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.
Birch Catkin Bug
A small, oval brown seed bug that feeds on birch and alder catkins. It is very common in northern Europe and can form large swarms in autumn. It sometimes enters buildings in large numbers seeking overwintering shelter.
Did You Know?
In autumn, enormous swarms of thousands can descend on buildings near birch trees, alarming homeowners despite the bugs being completely harmless.