African Commodore Butterfly vs Pipevine Swallowtail
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | African Commodore Butterfly | Pipevine Swallowtail |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Precis pelarga | Battus philenor |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Papilionidae |
| Size | 45-55 mm wingspan | 70-110 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Southern Africa, East Africa | North America from southern Canada to Mexico |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
African Commodore Butterfly
A medium-sized butterfly with warm orange-brown wings and subtle eyespots near the wing margins. It is common in open bushveld and grasslands.
Did You Know?
Dry-season and wet-season forms look so different they were originally described as separate species.
Pipevine Swallowtail
A dark swallowtail with brilliant iridescent blue hindwings and an orange-spotted underside. Its toxicity from Aristolochia host plants makes it the model for several mimicry complexes.
Did You Know?
At least five other butterfly species mimic its appearance to gain protection from predators.