Melissa Arctic vs Ruby Tiger Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Melissa Arctic | Ruby Tiger Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Oeneis melissa | Phragmatobia fuliginosa |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Arctiidae |
| Size | 40-50 mm wingspan | 28-35 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Mountains | Heathland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Arctic and subarctic North America, Rocky Mountain alpine zones | Europe, Asia, North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Ruby Tiger Moth
A small tiger moth with dark brownish-red forewings and rosy-red hindwings spotted with black. It is common across the northern hemisphere and flies both day and night.
Did You Know?
The hairy caterpillar can survive being frozen solid during winter and resumes feeding when it thaws.