Long-tailed Mealybug vs New Zealand Red Admiral

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Long-tailed Mealybug New Zealand Red Admiral
Scientific Name Pseudococcus longispinus Vanessa gonerilla
Order Hemiptera Lepidoptera
Family Pseudococcidae Nymphalidae
Size 2.5-4 mm (body) 50-60 mm wingspan
Habitat Gardens Gardens
Diet Sap Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions Worldwide Oceania (New Zealand)
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Long-tailed Mealybug

A waxy white mealybug distinguished by long tail filaments that can equal or exceed its body length. It infests ornamental plants, citrus, and grapes in greenhouses and warm regions.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most mealybugs, females give live birth instead of laying eggs.

New Zealand Red Admiral

An endemic New Zealand butterfly with striking red and black wing patterns. It is found throughout both main islands in bush margins and gardens. The larvae feed exclusively on native stinging nettle (ongaonga).

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Did You Know?

Unlike most butterflies, the New Zealand red admiral overwinters as an adult and can sometimes be seen flying on warm winter days.