New Zealand Yellow Admiral vs Khapra Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute New Zealand Yellow Admiral Khapra Beetle
Scientific Name Vanessa itea Trogoderma granarium
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Nymphalidae Dermestidae
Size 45-55 mm wingspan 2-3 mm
Habitat Gardens Gardens
Diet Fruit Feeders Seed Feeders
Regions Oceania (New Zealand, also Australia) South Asia; quarantine pest worldwide
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

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.

Khapra Beetle

A small, oval, hairy beetle considered one of the world's most destructive stored-product pests. Larvae can enter dormancy for years.

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Did You Know?

It is so destructive that it is on quarantine watchlists in over 60 countries.