Zela Metalmark vs Small Postman
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Zela Metalmark | Small Postman |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Emesis zela | Heliconius erato |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Riodinidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 25-30 mm wingspan | 55-80 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Mountains | Forests |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, Mexico | South America, Central America |
| 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.
Small Postman
A neotropical butterfly with black wings and vivid red, yellow, or white bands depending on the geographic race. It is a classic example of Mullerian mimicry.
Did You Know?
This butterfly and its co-mimic Heliconius melpomene have become one of the most important model systems for studying the genetics of adaptation.