Small Tortoiseshell vs Reunion Day Gecko Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Small Tortoiseshell | Reunion Day Gecko Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aglais urticae | Cratopus murinus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Curculionidae |
| Size | Wingspan 45-55mm | 8-12 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Farmland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Reunion Island |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Small Tortoiseshell
A familiar orange butterfly with black and yellow markings and a row of blue crescents along the wing margins. It hibernates in buildings over winter.
Did You Know?
Adults hibernate in attics and sheds and can survive freezing temperatures by producing glycerol as natural antifreeze.
Reunion Day Gecko Beetle
A drab brownish weevil endemic to Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean. It is a common herbivore found on both native and cultivated plants.
Did You Know?
It occasionally damages fruit crops on Reunion, where it is locally considered a pest.