Pepe Para Riki (Common Copper) vs Festive Tiger Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pepe Para Riki (Common Copper) Festive Tiger Beetle
Scientific Name Lycaena salustius Cicindela scutellaris
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Lycaenidae Cicindelidae
Size 20-30 mm wingspan 10-14mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Beaches & Coastal
Diet Nectar Feeders Predators
Regions Oceania (New Zealand) North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Pepe Para Riki (Common Copper)

New Zealand's most common endemic butterfly, a small copper-coloured species found in open habitats throughout the country. Males are bright coppery-orange above while females are duller with more dark markings. Larvae feed on native Muehlenbeckia vines.

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Did You Know?

The common copper is the only representative of the family Lycaenidae native to New Zealand.

Festive Tiger Beetle

A small brilliantly colored tiger beetle varying from deep purple to bright green depending on the subspecies. It runs at incredible speeds on sandy soils.

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Did You Know?

Different populations display different metallic colors from purple to green to red based on their geographic location.