New Zealand Yellow Admiral vs Apical Flower Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute New Zealand Yellow Admiral Apical Flower Mantis
Scientific Name Vanessa itea Creobroter apicalis
Order Lepidoptera Mantodea
Family Nymphalidae Hymenopodidae
Size 45-55 mm wingspan 25-35 mm
Habitat Gardens Underground
Diet Fruit Feeders Fruit Feeders
Regions Oceania (New Zealand, also Australia) Indonesia, Malaysia, Borneo
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

New Zealand Yellow Admiral

A native New Zealand butterfly closely related to the red admiral but featuring prominent yellow-orange patches on its wings. It is widespread across both islands and is a common garden visitor. Adults are strong fliers and may occasionally migrate.

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Did You Know?

Yellow admirals are one of the few New Zealand butterflies that occasionally make trans-Tasman crossings between Australia and New Zealand.

Apical Flower Mantis

A small flower mantis from Southeast Asia with distinctive markings at the tips of its forewings. It is commonly found on low shrubs and herbaceous plants.

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Did You Know?

The dark apical spots on its wings give it its common name and help identify the species.