Kamehameha Butterfly vs Clouded Skipper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Kamehameha Butterfly Clouded Skipper
Scientific Name Vanessa tameamea Lerema accius
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Nymphalidae Hesperiidae
Size 60-70 mm wingspan 32-44 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Underground
Diet Sap Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Hawaii Southeastern United States from Texas to Virginia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Kamehameha Butterfly

Hawaii's state insect, a beautiful orange-and-black butterfly endemic to the islands. It is one of only two butterfly species native to Hawaii.

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Did You Know?

It was designated Hawaii's state insect in 2009 and is named after the Hawaiian royal dynasty.

Clouded Skipper

A dark brown skipper with small glassy white spots on its forewings. It is one of the most common grass skippers in the southeastern United States.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most skippers, it prefers shaded habitats and is frequently found in wooded areas rather than open fields.