Zela Metalmark vs Pine Shoot Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Zela Metalmark | Pine Shoot Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Emesis zela | Rhyacionia buoliana |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Riodinidae | Tortricidae |
| Size | 25-30 mm wingspan | 18-24 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Mountains | Farmland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, Mexico | Europe, Asia, North America (introduced) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Zela Metalmark
A small butterfly with rust-brown wings marked with fine dark lines and subtle metallic scaling. It inhabits mountain canyons in the borderlands of Arizona and Mexico.
Did You Know?
It is one of the target species for butterfly watchers visiting the famous canyons of southeastern Arizona.
Pine Shoot Moth
A small bright orange moth with silver-grey crosslines on the forewings. Its larvae bore into the terminal shoots of young pine trees, causing deformity.
Did You Know?
Attacked trees develop a characteristic 'posthorn' bend from the distorted leader shoot.