Oregon Silverspot Butterfly vs Spinifex Termite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Oregon Silverspot Butterfly | Spinifex Termite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Speyeria zerene hippolyta | Nasutitermes longipennis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Blattodea |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Termitidae |
| Size | 5-6 cm wingspan | Workers 4-5 mm; soldiers 5-6 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | United States | Australia |
| Conservation | Endangered | Least Concern |
Oregon Silverspot Butterfly
A medium-sized fritillary butterfly with bright silver spots on its hindwing undersides. It inhabits coastal grasslands from Washington to northern California.
Did You Know?
Its larvae feed exclusively on early blue violet plants that grow in wind-swept coastal prairies.
Spinifex Termite
A mound-building termite common across the dry interior of Australia. Its hard earthen mounds dot the landscape of arid grasslands and are a key food source for echidnas.
Did You Know?
Short-beaked echidnas tear open the rock-hard mounds with powerful claws to feast on the termites inside.