Numata Longwing vs Melissa Arctic
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Numata Longwing | Melissa Arctic |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Heliconius numata | Oeneis melissa |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 60-75 mm wingspan | 40-50 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Mountains |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | South America (Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia) | Arctic and subarctic North America, Rocky Mountain alpine zones |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Numata Longwing
A remarkable butterfly that exists in over a dozen wing pattern forms, each mimicking a different species of toxic Melinaea butterfly. Despite their different appearances, all forms belong to the same species. Wing pattern variation is controlled by a supergene on a single chromosome.
Did You Know?
Its wing pattern diversity is controlled by a chromosomal inversion that acts as a supergene, one of the best-studied examples of this genetic mechanism.
Melissa Arctic
A gray-brown butterfly with subtle orange patches and small blind eyespots. The hindwing underside features dark, bark-like striations for camouflage. It has an erratic, bouncing flight that makes it hard to track.
Did You Know?
Populations on isolated mountain peaks are considered glacial relicts, stranded since the last Ice Age when the tundra receded northward.