Huia Ground Beetle vs Southern Birdwing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Huia Ground Beetle Southern Birdwing
Scientific Name Mecodema huia Troides minos
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Carabidae Papilionidae
Size 22-30 mm 140-190 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Predators Nectar Feeders
Regions New Zealand (North Island) South Asia (India, endemic to the Western Ghats)
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Huia Ground Beetle

A large, flightless ground beetle endemic to New Zealand with a heavily sculptured dark body. It is named after the extinct huia bird and found in native forest remnants.

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Did You Know?

New Zealand has an extraordinary radiation of endemic Mecodema ground beetles, with over 50 species that evolved in isolation, many confined to single mountain ranges or forests.

Southern Birdwing

India's largest butterfly, with a striking black and bright yellow color scheme. Males display velvety black forewings and brilliant golden-yellow hindwings, while females are larger with more subdued markings.

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Did You Know?

The Southern Birdwing is the largest butterfly in India and holds a majestic, soaring flight pattern similar to a bird.