African Giant Swallowtail vs African Predatory Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute African Giant Swallowtail African Predatory Lacewing
Scientific Name Papilio antimachus Chrysopa pudica
Order Lepidoptera Neuroptera
Family Papilionidae Chrysopidae
Size 180-250 mm wingspan 16-24 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Nectar Feeders Predators
Regions Africa West Africa, Central Africa, East Africa
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

African Giant Swallowtail

The largest butterfly in Africa with a wingspan of up to 250 mm. It flies at great heights in the canopy and is rarely seen by casual observers.

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Did You Know?

It is believed to be toxic to predators and is one of the few butterflies that has no known mimics.

African Predatory Lacewing

A robust lacewing found across tropical Africa in forested and cultivated areas. Adults and larvae both contribute to pest suppression.

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Did You Know?

It is frequently collected in cocoa agroforestry systems where it helps control cocoa mirids.