Sea butterfly
A sea butterfly is a small marine snail that swims using wing-like extensions and has a delicate coiled shell.
Also known as: thecosome pteropod, Limacina helicina
How big is it?
5 mm long
Also 0.1969 in
Defined shell height · defined specimen
Typical recorded range: 3 mm to 8 mm.
A little perspective
About the same scale as Small ant.
Small ant: An ant is a social insect that lives in an organised colony, usually with workers, a queen and specialised roles.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Sea butterfly
A defined 5 mm shelled sea butterfly, modelled on Limacina helicina. The calibrated height follows the shell; wing-like parapodia extend beyond it and posture varies while swimming.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked defined shell height is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Small ant
Example 5 mm ant, 3 mg; ants span a wide range of sizes.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked length is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 5 mm
For comparison, this page uses defined shell height. This is labelled defined specimen: an explicit comparison model rather than a claim that every example has the same value. The recorded range is 3 mm to 8 mm.
A defined 5 mm shelled sea butterfly, modelled on Limacina helicina. The calibrated height follows the shell; wing-like parapodia extend beyond it and posture varies while swimming.
The marked vertical span follows the named feature; transparent margins and unmeasured details do not alter it. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Sea butterfly dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mm | 3 mm to 8 mm | defined specimen |
Around this scale
Go smaller. Go bigger.
These links use compatible length records, ordered around the selected value.
Nearest lower value · Living thingsSesame seed3 mmA sesame seed is an oil-rich edible seed produced by the sesame plant and used whole, ground or pressed for oil.
Around the same scale · Living thingsSmall ant5 mmAn ant is a social insect that lives in an organised colony, usually with workers, a queen and specialised roles.
Nearest higher value · Living thingsMosquito6 mmA mosquito is a slender flying insect with long legs and a piercing mouthpart.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
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Living thingsAntarctic krill6 cmAntarctic krill (Euphausia superba) are small, shrimp-like marine crustaceans that serve as a vital food source for many Antarctic animals.Living thingsSmall ant5 mmAn ant is a social insect that lives in an organised colony, usually with workers, a queen and specialised roles.
Everyday thingsLentil5 mmA lentil is the edible, lens-shaped seed of the Lens culinaris plant, widely used in soups and stews.Living thingsMosquito6 mmA mosquito is a slender flying insect with long legs and a piercing mouthpart.
Everyday thingsGrain of rice7 mmA grain of rice is the edible seed of the rice plant, widely consumed as a staple food.
Living thingsLadybird6 mmA ladybird is a small beetle that feeds on aphids and is beneficial to gardens.
PeopleFingernail1.5 cmA fingernail is the hard, protective covering at the tip of a human finger, composed of keratin.