Diamond-Backed Spittlebug vs New Zealand Red Admiral

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Diamond-Backed Spittlebug New Zealand Red Admiral
Scientific Name Lepyronia quadrangularis Vanessa gonerilla
Order Hemiptera Lepidoptera
Family Aphrophoridae Nymphalidae
Size 6-9 mm 50-60 mm wingspan
Habitat Meadows Gardens
Diet Sap Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions North America Oceania (New Zealand)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Diamond-Backed Spittlebug

A North American spittlebug with a distinctive diamond-shaped pale mark on its back. It is found in wet meadows and marshes.

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Did You Know?

Its preference for wetland habitats makes it one of the few spittlebugs commonly found in bogs and fens.

New Zealand Red Admiral

An endemic New Zealand butterfly with striking red and black wing patterns. It is found throughout both main islands in bush margins and gardens. The larvae feed exclusively on native stinging nettle (ongaonga).

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Did You Know?

Unlike most butterflies, the New Zealand red admiral overwinters as an adult and can sometimes be seen flying on warm winter days.