Crimson Saltflat Tiger Beetle vs Red Helen

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Crimson Saltflat Tiger Beetle Red Helen
Scientific Name Cicindela theatina Papilio helenus
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Cicindelidae Papilionidae
Size 11-13 mm 110-140 mm wingspan
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Forests
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Colorado, United States Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos)
Conservation Endangered Least Concern

Crimson Saltflat Tiger Beetle

A rare tiger beetle endemic to the salt flats of southern Colorado. It has a distinctive dark reddish-brown coloration with faint white markings.

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Did You Know?

It was only described as a distinct species in 2002 and is known from just a handful of sites.

Red Helen

A large, elegant swallowtail butterfly with black wings marked by large creamy-white patches on the hindwings and red crescents along the hindwing margin. It has a slow, sailing flight.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillar has an osmeterium, a bright orange forked organ behind the head that releases a foul smell to deter predators.