Mother-of-Pearl Butterfly vs Six-spot Burnet
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mother-of-Pearl Butterfly | Six-spot Burnet |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Protogoniomorpha parhassus | Zygaena filipendulae |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Zygaenidae |
| Size | 70-90 mm wingspan | 30-40 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Central Africa, East Africa, Southern Africa | Europe, western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Mother-of-Pearl Butterfly
A large butterfly with shimmering pearly white wings that reflect iridescent blue and pink. It inhabits deep forest where it glides through shaded clearings.
Did You Know?
The pearlescent sheen on its wings is produced by tiny overlapping scales that act as multilayer reflectors.
Six-spot Burnet
A day-flying moth with metallic blue-black forewings bearing six crimson spots. Its bright colours warn predators of its cyanide-based chemical defences.
Did You Know?
Both the larvae and adults contain hydrogen cyanide, making them highly toxic to predators.