African Migrant Butterfly vs Short-winged Mold Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute African Migrant Butterfly Short-winged Mold Beetle
Scientific Name Catopsilia florella Pselaphus heisei
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Pieridae Staphylinidae
Size 55-70 mm wingspan 1.5-2 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Nectar Feeders Detritivores
Regions Sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

African Migrant Butterfly

A large white to greenish-yellow pierid butterfly that undertakes massive migrations across Africa. Males are white while females are often greenish.

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Did You Know?

Migrating swarms can be so dense they have been reported to delay trains and cause traffic accidents.

Short-winged Mold Beetle

A tiny rove beetle with clubbed antennae that feeds on mites in leaf litter and soil. Its short wing cases and ant-like body make it distinctive.

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Did You Know?

It possesses specialized antennal clubs covered in sensory pits used for detecting prey in total darkness.