New Zealand Yellow Admiral vs Buff Ermine Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | New Zealand Yellow Admiral | Buff Ermine Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Vanessa itea | Spilosoma lutea |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Erebidae |
| Size | 45-55 mm wingspan | 34-42 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Gardens | Farmland |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand, also Australia) | Europe, Asia |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Yellow admirals are one of the few New Zealand butterflies that occasionally make trans-Tasman crossings between Australia and New Zealand.
Buff Ermine Moth
A creamy-buff moth with scattered dark spots and a distinctive dark streak along the forewing costa. It closely resembles the White Ermine but has warmer tones.
Did You Know?
Unlike many ermine moths, it has a conspicuous dark diagonal streak near the wing tip.