Melissa Arctic vs Barbados Cane Weevil
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Melissa Arctic | Barbados Cane Weevil |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Oeneis melissa | Metamasius hemipterus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Curculionidae |
| Size | 40-50 mm wingspan | 12-20 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Farmland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Arctic and subarctic North America, Rocky Mountain alpine zones | Barbados, Caribbean |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Melissa Arctic
A gray-brown butterfly with subtle orange patches and small blind eyespots. The hindwing underside features dark, bark-like striations for camouflage. It has an erratic, bouncing flight that makes it hard to track.
Did You Know?
Populations on isolated mountain peaks are considered glacial relicts, stranded since the last Ice Age when the tundra receded northward.
Barbados Cane Weevil
A large weevil with variable striped patterns, originally from the Caribbean. It is a significant pest of sugarcane and palms.
Did You Know?
It was accidentally spread worldwide through the tropical plant trade and is now a major palm pest in Florida.