Zela Metalmark vs Zodiac Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Zela Metalmark Zodiac Moth
Scientific Name Emesis zela Alcides metaurus
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Riodinidae Uraniidae
Size 25-30 mm wingspan 8-10 cm wingspan
Habitat Mountains Forests
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, Mexico Australia, Papua New Guinea
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.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the target species for butterfly watchers visiting the famous canyons of southeastern Arizona.

Zodiac Moth

A spectacular day-flying moth with iridescent green and black wings resembling a swallowtail butterfly. It migrates in large numbers through north Queensland rainforests.

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Did You Know?

Its brilliant green wing color is produced by microscopic light-refracting structures, not pigment.