Taveuni Beetle vs Orange-barred Sulphur

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Taveuni Beetle Orange-barred Sulphur
Scientific Name Mausoleopsis amicta Phoebis philea
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Curculionidae Pieridae
Size 15-25 mm Wingspan 67-80mm
Habitat Forests Underground
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Oceania (Fiji - Taveuni) North America, South America
Conservation Vulnerable Least Concern

Taveuni Beetle

An impressive flightless weevil endemic to the island of Taveuni in Fiji. It is one of the larger weevils in the Pacific Islands and is found in the island's native rainforest. Its flightlessness makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat loss.

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Did You Know?

Taveuni is known as the Garden Island of Fiji, and this beetle is one of the unique species found nowhere else in the world.

Orange-barred Sulphur

A large bright yellow butterfly with orange bar markings on the upper forewings. Females are more muted with reddish markings.

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Did You Know?

Males patrol large territories and engage in spiraling aerial battles with rivals that can last several minutes.