Imported Cabbageworm vs Redcoat Damselfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Imported Cabbageworm | Redcoat Damselfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pieris rapae | Xanthocnemis zealandica |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Odonata |
| Family | Pieridae | Coenagrionidae |
| Size | 45-50 mm wingspan | 28-36 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Worldwide | Oceania (New Zealand) |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Imported Cabbageworm
A common white butterfly whose velvety green caterpillars are among the most familiar vegetable garden pests. Adults are the small white butterflies frequently seen fluttering over gardens.
Did You Know?
Despite being called a cabbageworm, it is actually a butterfly caterpillar, not a worm or moth larva.
Redcoat Damselfly
A small endemic damselfly found throughout New Zealand, named for the bright red body of the male. It is one of the most abundant odonates in New Zealand and frequents still or slow-moving water bodies. Females are typically greenish-brown.
Did You Know?
Male redcoat damselflies will guard their mate by remaining attached in tandem while she lays eggs, preventing other males from mating with her.