Canary Islands Large White Butterfly vs Water Treader

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Canary Islands Large White Butterfly Water Treader
Scientific Name Pieris cheiranthi Mesovelia mulsanti
Order Lepidoptera Hemiptera
Family Pieridae Mesoveliidae
Size 55-65 mm wingspan 3-4 mm
Habitat Forests Ponds & Lakes
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Canary Islands Americas, from United States to South America
Conservation Endangered Least Concern

Canary Islands Large White Butterfly

A large white butterfly endemic to the Canary Islands with prominent dark wing markings. It is found in laurel forests on several islands.

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Did You Know?

It is restricted to shrinking patches of ancient laurel forest that once covered much of Europe.

Water Treader

A tiny, bright green semi-aquatic bug that walks on the surface of still waters among floating vegetation. It is widespread across the Americas and is often found on lily pads and duckweed. Both winged and wingless forms exist.

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Did You Know?

It hunts by detecting the tiny ripples made by struggling prey items on the water surface, running across lily pads and open water to reach them.