Map Butterfly vs Water Scorpion
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Map Butterfly | Water Scorpion |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Araschnia levana | Nepa cinerea |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Nepidae |
| Size | 32-40 mm wingspan | 18-22 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, temperate Asia | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Map Butterfly
A small butterfly that produces two dramatically different seasonal forms within the same year. Spring adults are orange with black spots; summer adults are black with white bands.
Did You Know?
The seasonal colour change is triggered by day length during the larval stage, not temperature.
Water Scorpion
A flat aquatic bug that lurks in shallow water resembling a dead leaf. It breathes through a long tail-like siphon that breaks the water surface.
Did You Know?
Despite its name and scorpion-like raptorial forelegs, the water scorpion is a weak swimmer and instead ambushes prey from vegetation.