African Giant Swallowtail vs Buff-tailed Bumblebee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute African Giant Swallowtail Buff-tailed Bumblebee
Scientific Name Papilio antimachus Bombus terrestris
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Papilionidae Apidae
Size 180-250 mm wingspan 11-22 mm
Habitat Forests Farmland
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Africa Europe, Asia, 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.

Buff-tailed Bumblebee

A large, familiar bumblebee with black fur, a yellow collar, a yellow abdominal band, and a distinctive buff-white tail. It is one of the most important commercial pollinators in Europe.

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Did You Know?

This bumblebee can learn to pull strings to access food and then teach the technique to other bees, demonstrating a form of cultural transmission.