Broad-Horned Onitis vs Queen of Spain Fritillary

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Broad-Horned Onitis Queen of Spain Fritillary
Scientific Name Onitis caffer Issoria lathonia
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Scarabaeidae Nymphalidae
Size 16-26 mm 38-50 mm wingspan
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Dung Feeders Omnivores
Regions Southern Africa Europe, Africa, temperate Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Broad-Horned Onitis

A large, dark brown to black tunneler with massive forelegs in males. The prothorax is greatly enlarged. It digs deep vertical shafts beneath cattle dung and is primarily nocturnal. Males use their forelegs in combat.

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Did You Know?

The enormous forelegs of the male serve double duty, used both for digging and for grappling with rival males.

Queen of Spain Fritillary

A powerful-flying fritillary with large, brilliant silver spots covering the underside of its hindwings. It is a restless migrant that can appear far outside its usual range.

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Did You Know?

Its massive silver underwing spots are thought to startle predators by flashing in flight like mirrors.