Dung Beetle (Rainbow) vs Queen of Spain Fritillary

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dung Beetle (Rainbow) Queen of Spain Fritillary
Scientific Name Phanaeus vindex Issoria lathonia
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Scarabaeidae Nymphalidae
Size 12-22 mm 38-50 mm wingspan
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Dung Feeders Omnivores
Regions North America Europe, Africa, temperate Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Dung Beetle (Rainbow)

One of the most beautiful dung beetles with iridescent metallic copper, green, and blue coloring. Males have a prominent horn. Despite working with dung, they are stunningly beautiful.

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Did You Know?

Rainbow scarab beetles are living proof that working with dung does not mean looking dull — they are among the most brilliantly metallic and colorful of all beetles.

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.