August Thorn vs Giant Swallowtail of the Andes

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute August Thorn Giant Swallowtail of the Andes
Scientific Name Ennomos quercinaria Papilio thoas
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Geometridae Papilionidae
Size 32-38 mm wingspan 110-140 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Rivers & Streams
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

August Thorn

A thorn moth flying in late summer with warm yellow-brown wings. Rests with wings spread flat. Larvae feed on oak and other deciduous trees.

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Did You Know?

The angular wing shape and brown coloring give it a remarkable resemblance to a dry autumn leaf.

Giant Swallowtail of the Andes

One of the largest swallowtail butterflies in South America, with bold yellow and black striped wings and long tail streamers. It is a powerful flier that ranges from sea level to over 2000 m in the Andes. Larvae mimic bird droppings as a defense mechanism.

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Did You Know?

When threatened, the caterpillar everts a bright red forked organ called an osmeterium from behind its head, releasing a foul-smelling chemical.