Zebra Longwing vs Violet Ground Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Zebra Longwing Violet Ground Beetle
Scientific Name Heliconius charithonia Carabus violaceus
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Nymphalidae Carabidae
Size 72-100 mm wingspan 20-35mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Pollen Feeders Predators
Regions North America, Central America, South 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.

Violet Ground Beetle

A large black beetle with violet or purple margins on its elytra and thorax. It is nocturnal and hides under logs and stones during the day.

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Did You Know?

When threatened, it releases a foul-smelling liquid from its abdomen to deter predators.