Red Lacewing vs Mormon Metalmark

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Red Lacewing Mormon Metalmark
Scientific Name Cethosia biblis Apodemia mormo
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Nymphalidae Riodinidae
Size 80-95 mm wingspan 22-30 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Heathland
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Southeast Asia (Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam) Western North America from Canada to Mexico
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern (species); some subspecies criticall

Red Lacewing

A large butterfly with brilliant red-orange wings boldly bordered in black and white. The underside features an elaborate network of red, white, and black in a striking lacework pattern.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillars are gregarious and covered in branching spines that deliver a mild sting, providing collective defense against predators.

Mormon Metalmark

A small butterfly with dark brown wings covered in white spots arranged in irregular bands. Several of its subspecies are critically endangered.

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Did You Know?

The Lange's metalmark subspecies, restricted to a single sand dune in California, is one of the rarest butterflies in the world.