Australian Mantidfly vs Orchard Swallowtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Australian Mantidfly Orchard Swallowtail
Scientific Name Campion australis Papilio aegeus
Order Neuroptera Lepidoptera
Family Mantispidae Papilionidae
Size 16-24 mm wingspan 9-12 cm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Parasitoids Nectar Feeders
Regions Australia Australia, Papua New Guinea
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Australian Mantidfly

An Australian mantidfly found in eucalyptus forests and dry woodland. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to lights at night.

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Did You Know?

It is the most commonly recorded mantidfly species in southeastern Australian light-trap studies.

Orchard Swallowtail

A large black swallowtail where females display white and red markings mimicking toxic butterflies. Males are mostly black with a row of pale spots.

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Did You Know?

Its caterpillars resemble bird droppings when young, providing excellent camouflage from predators.