Shepherd's Fritillary vs Clover Root Weevil
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Shepherd's Fritillary | Clover Root Weevil |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Boloria pales | Sitona obsoletus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Curculionidae |
| Size | 30-36 mm wingspan | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Root Feeders |
| Regions | Alps, Pyrenees, Balkans | Europe, New Zealand (invasive) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Shepherd's Fritillary
A variable fritillary butterfly of high alpine pastures. Its wing pattern varies greatly between populations across different mountain ranges.
Did You Know?
It is named after the mountain shepherds who share its high-altitude habitat.
Clover Root Weevil
A small, grey-brown weevil that feeds on clover roots and nitrogen-fixing nodules. It became a major invasive pest in New Zealand pastures.
Did You Know?
By destroying nitrogen-fixing root nodules, it reduces pasture fertility, costing New Zealand agriculture hundreds of millions of dollars annually.