Flat Bark Beetle vs Paradise Birdwing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Flat Bark Beetle Paradise Birdwing
Scientific Name Cucujus cinnaberinus Ornithoptera paradisea
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Cucujidae Papilionidae
Size 11-15 mm 120-170 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Wood Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe Oceania (Papua New Guinea)
Conservation Vulnerable Vulnerable

Flat Bark Beetle

A bright red, extremely flat beetle that lives beneath the bark of dead trees. It is an indicator species of old-growth forests.

💡

Did You Know?

Its body is so flat it can fit into spaces less than 2mm thick between bark layers.

Paradise Birdwing

A spectacular birdwing butterfly endemic to Papua New Guinea, notable for the elongated tails on the male's hindwings. Males display brilliant green and gold colouration. It is found in lowland and hill forests.

💡

Did You Know?

The male's long hindwing tails trail behind in flight, creating a spectacularly graceful display reminiscent of a bird of paradise.