Question Mark Butterfly vs Ground Pearl
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Question Mark Butterfly | Ground Pearl |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Polygonia interrogationis | Margarodes vitis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Margarodidae |
| Size | 45-76 mm wingspan | 2-4 mm cyst |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Caves |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | North America | Europe, Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Data Deficient |
Question Mark Butterfly
Orange butterfly with dark spots and irregular wing margins. A silvery question-mark shape on the underside of the hindwing gives it its name.
Did You Know?
It rarely visits flowers, preferring to feed on fermenting fruit, sap, and animal dung.
Ground Pearl
A subterranean scale insect whose encysted nymphs resemble tiny golden pearls.
Did You Know?
The pearl-like cysts have been used as beads in jewelry since ancient times.