Numata Longwing vs Square-spot Rustic
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Numata Longwing | Square-spot Rustic |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Heliconius numata | Xestia xanthographa |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Noctuidae |
| Size | 60-75 mm wingspan | 32-38 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Gardens |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Root Feeders |
| Regions | South America (Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia) | Europe |
| 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.
Square-spot Rustic
An extremely common autumn-flying moth with a diagnostic square stigma on the forewing. One of the most abundant moths in British gardens. Larvae feed on grasses.
Did You Know?
Often the single most abundant moth species in garden moth traps during September.