New Zealand Yellow Admiral vs Punched Metalmark

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute New Zealand Yellow Admiral Punched Metalmark
Scientific Name Vanessa itea Adelotypa annulifera
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Nymphalidae Riodinidae
Size 45-55 mm wingspan 25-32 mm wingspan
Habitat Gardens Forests
Diet Fruit Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Oceania (New Zealand, also Australia) South America
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.

Punched Metalmark

Brown metalmark with distinctive pale-ringed dark spots giving a punched-hole appearance. Active in the forest understory.

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Did You Know?

The ring-shaped markings on its wings inspired both its common and scientific names.