White-letter Hairstreak vs Large Wall Brown

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute White-letter Hairstreak Large Wall Brown
Scientific Name Satyrium w-album Lasiommata maera
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Lycaenidae Nymphalidae
Size Wingspan 26-30mm 44-56 mm wingspan
Habitat Hedgerows Mountains
Diet Seed Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia Europe, Central 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.

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Did You Know?

Has declined dramatically due to Dutch elm disease destroying its food plant across Europe.

Large Wall Brown

A medium-sized brown butterfly with large apical eyespots and warm orange patches on the forewings. It frequents rocky terrain and often basks on stone walls and boulders.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most satyrines, it actively seeks out the hottest, most sun-baked rock faces for basking.