New Zealand Red Admiral vs Putnam's Cicada
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | New Zealand Red Admiral | Putnam's Cicada |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Vanessa gonerilla | Platypedia putnami |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Cicadidae |
| Size | 50-60 mm wingspan | 18-25 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Woodlands |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand) | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Putnam's Cicada
A small, dark cicada found in arid pinyon-juniper woodlands of the western US. It produces quiet clicks rather than the loud buzzing of typical cicadas.
Did You Know?
Instead of singing, males attract females by tapping their wings together to produce soft clicking sounds.