Helena Brown Butterfly vs Snow Scorpionfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Helena Brown Butterfly Snow Scorpionfly
Scientific Name Tisiphone helena Boreus hyemalis
Order Lepidoptera Mecoptera
Family Nymphalidae Boreidae
Size 5-6 cm wingspan 3-5 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Sap Feeders Omnivores
Regions Australia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Helena Brown Butterfly

A dark brown butterfly with orange-ringed eyespots found in shaded forest environments. It has a weak, bobbing flight close to the ground.

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Did You Know?

It is one of very few Australian butterflies that prefers deep shade over sunny open areas.

Snow Scorpionfly

A tiny wingless scorpionfly active in winter, walking on snow near mossy habitats. Its vestigial wings are reduced to hook-like structures used during mating.

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Did You Know?

Snow scorpionflies are most active at temperatures near freezing and can sometimes be found by the hundreds walking across snow-covered moss.