Zebra Longwing vs Petroleum Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Zebra Longwing | Petroleum Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Heliconius charithonia | Helaeomyia petrolei |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Ephydridae |
| Size | 72-100 mm wingspan | 5 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Pollen Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | North America, Central America, South America | North America |
| 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.
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.
Petroleum Fly
The only insect whose larvae develop in crude petroleum. Found in natural oil seeps in California, including the La Brea Tar Pits. Larvae eat insects trapped in the oil.
Did You Know?
This is the only animal on Earth that develops in crude oil — a substance toxic to virtually all other life. Its larvae swim through petroleum and breathe through snorkel-like tubes.