Sonoran Blue vs New Zealand Red Admiral

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sonoran Blue New Zealand Red Admiral
Scientific Name Philotes sonorensis Vanessa gonerilla
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Lycaenidae Nymphalidae
Size 18-22 mm wingspan 50-60 mm wingspan
Habitat Farmland Gardens
Diet Nectar Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions Western North America Oceania (New Zealand)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Sonoran Blue

Tiny blue butterfly with orange and black hindwing spots. One of the earliest-flying butterflies of the year in the American West.

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Did You Know?

Adults fly as early as February, when few other butterflies are active in their range.

New Zealand Red Admiral

An endemic New Zealand butterfly with striking red and black wing patterns. It is found throughout both main islands in bush margins and gardens. The larvae feed exclusively on native stinging nettle (ongaonga).

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Did You Know?

Unlike most butterflies, the New Zealand red admiral overwinters as an adult and can sometimes be seen flying on warm winter days.