Madeiran Brimstone Butterfly vs Hercules Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Madeiran Brimstone Butterfly Hercules Beetle
Scientific Name Gonepteryx maderensis Dynastes hercules
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Pieridae Dynastidae
Size 50-60 mm wingspan 50-85 mm (up to 170 mm with horn)
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Omnivores Wood Feeders
Regions Madeira Central America, South America
Conservation Endangered Least Concern

Madeiran Brimstone Butterfly

A yellow butterfly endemic to the island of Madeira in the Atlantic. It is closely related to Canary Island brimstones but geographically isolated.

💡

Did You Know?

Fewer than 1000 individuals are thought to survive in small laurel forest patches on Madeira.

Hercules Beetle

One of the largest beetles in the world. Males sport enormous horns used in combat for mates. The elytra can change color from green-yellow to black depending on humidity.

💡

Did You Know?

The Hercules beetle can carry up to 850 times its own body weight, making it one of the strongest animals on Earth relative to its size.