Black Swallowtail vs Arctic Grayling
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Black Swallowtail | Arctic Grayling |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Papilio polyxenes | Oeneis bore |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 69-84 mm wingspan | 38-48 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Gardens | Mountains |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | North America | Arctic Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, Siberia, Alaska, northern Canada |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Black Swallowtail
Black butterfly with yellow spot bands and blue hindwing patches; orange and black eyespot on each hindwing. Common in gardens across eastern North America.
Did You Know?
Caterpillars extend a foul-smelling orange forked organ called an osmeterium when threatened.
Arctic Grayling
A pale grayish-brown butterfly with a translucent, papery wing quality and subtle darker striations. Its cryptic appearance makes it nearly invisible on lichen-covered rocks. Adults are extremely wary and difficult to approach.
Did You Know?
When this butterfly lands on lichen-covered rocks, it tilts sideways to align its wing veins with the rock cracks, achieving near-perfect camouflage.