Norse Grayling vs Wheel Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Norse Grayling | Wheel Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Oeneis norna | Arilus cristatus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Reduviidae |
| Size | 44-54 mm wingspan | 28-36 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Orchards |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, Siberia | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Norse Grayling
A medium-sized grayish-brown butterfly with subtle orange patches and small eyespots. The wings have a semi-translucent quality that helps with camouflage on lichen-covered ground. It has an erratic, low flight.
Did You Know?
This butterfly emerges in alternate years only, with populations synchronized so that all adults in an area appear in the same year.
Wheel Bug
The largest assassin bug in North America, named for the distinctive cogwheel-shaped crest on its thorax. It delivers an extremely painful bite if handled.
Did You Know?
Its bite injects cytolytic venom that dissolves tissue, producing pain reported to be worse than a wasp sting lasting for days.