Cromwell Chafer Beetle vs Postman Butterfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cromwell Chafer Beetle | Postman Butterfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Prodontria lewisii | Heliconius melpomene |
| Order | Coleoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Scarabaeidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 1-1.5 cm | Wingspan 55-80mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Forests |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | New Zealand | South America, North America |
| Conservation | Critically Endangered | Least Concern |
Cromwell Chafer Beetle
A small chafer beetle endemic to a tiny area near Cromwell in Central Otago, New Zealand. Adults are nocturnal and feed on native grasses.
Did You Know?
Its entire habitat is protected within an 81-hectare reserve, one of the smallest nature reserves created for an insect.
Postman Butterfly
A slender long-winged butterfly with black wings and a bold red band across the forewings. It is a classic example of Mullerian mimicry.
Did You Know?
It is one of the few butterflies that can digest pollen as well as nectar giving it amino acids that extend its lifespan to several months.