New Zealand Rove Beetle vs Birdwing Butterfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | New Zealand Rove Beetle | Birdwing Butterfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Quedius antipodus | Ornithoptera alexandrae |
| Order | Coleoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Papilionidae |
| Size | 7-10 mm | 210-310 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Forests |
| Diet | Predators | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | New Zealand | Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Endangered |
New Zealand Rove Beetle
A medium-sized, shiny dark rove beetle native to New Zealand's native forests. It is one of the most commonly encountered staphylinids in New Zealand's distinctive southern beech forests.
Did You Know?
New Zealand's rove beetle fauna evolved in isolation for 80 million years, producing many endemic species found nowhere else on Earth.
Birdwing Butterfly
The largest butterfly in the world with a wingspan up to 31 cm. Found only in a small area of Papua New Guinea. Females are larger but males have brighter blue-green coloring.
Did You Know?
Queen Alexandras birdwing is so large it was first collected by shooting it with a shotgun — it remains the worlds largest butterfly with a wingspan wider than a dinner plate.