Zebra Longwing vs Azalea Lace Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Zebra Longwing Azalea Lace Bug
Scientific Name Heliconius charithonia Stephanitis pyrioides
Order Lepidoptera Hemiptera
Family Nymphalidae Tingidae
Size 72-100 mm wingspan 3-4 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Pollen Feeders Herbivores
Regions North America, Central America, South America East Asia, North America, Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Zebra Longwing

A neotropical butterfly with elongated jet-black wings bearing bold pale yellow stripes. It is unusual among butterflies for feeding on pollen in addition to nectar.

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Did You Know?

This butterfly can digest pollen by dissolving it with saliva on its proboscis, providing amino acids that allow adults to live six months or longer.

Azalea Lace Bug

A tiny lace bug with beautifully ornate, net-veined wings that is a major pest of azaleas and rhododendrons. Native to East Asia, it has become established in North America and Europe. Feeding causes white stippling on leaves.

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Did You Know?

Females insert their eggs into leaf tissue and cover them with a dark varnish-like substance, making them nearly invisible to predators.