Spiny Leaf Katydid vs New Zealand Yellow Admiral
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Spiny Leaf Katydid | New Zealand Yellow Admiral |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Panacanthus cuspidatus | Vanessa itea |
| Order | Orthoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Tettigoniidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 50-70 mm | 45-55 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Mountains | Gardens |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Fruit Feeders |
| Regions | Ecuador, Colombia | Oceania (New Zealand, also Australia) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Spiny Leaf Katydid
A brightly colored Ecuadorian katydid covered in sharp spines for defense. Its green body with orange and black spines makes it conspicuous as a warning.
Did You Know?
It can squirt a foul-smelling defensive spray from glands on its thorax when grabbed.
New Zealand Yellow Admiral
A native New Zealand butterfly closely related to the red admiral but featuring prominent yellow-orange patches on its wings. It is widespread across both islands and is a common garden visitor. Adults are strong fliers and may occasionally migrate.
Did You Know?
Yellow admirals are one of the few New Zealand butterflies that occasionally make trans-Tasman crossings between Australia and New Zealand.