New Zealand Red Admiral vs Janus Elephant Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | New Zealand Red Admiral | Janus Elephant Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Vanessa gonerilla | Megasoma janus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Scarabaeidae |
| Size | 50-60 mm wingspan | 60-120 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Mountains |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand) | Bolivia, Brazil, Peru |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
New Zealand Red Admiral
An endemic New Zealand butterfly with striking red and black wing patterns. It is found throughout both main islands in bush margins and gardens. The larvae feed exclusively on native stinging nettle (ongaonga).
Did You Know?
Unlike most butterflies, the New Zealand red admiral overwinters as an adult and can sometimes be seen flying on warm winter days.
Janus Elephant Beetle
A massive rhinoceros beetle with a forked cephalic horn and broad pronotal horns. It is among the bulkiest of South American beetles.
Did You Know?
Males can lift objects over 100 times their own body weight using their horns during combat.