Black Swallowtail vs Desert Leaf-Cutter Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Black Swallowtail | Desert Leaf-Cutter Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Papilio polyxenes | Acromyrmex versicolor |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 69-84 mm wingspan | 3-10 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Gardens |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | North America | North America |
| 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.
Desert Leaf-Cutter Ant
The only leaf-cutter ant adapted to true desert habitats in North America. It harvests leaves and flower petals to grow fungus gardens underground.
Did You Know?
Queens found new colonies after summer monsoon rains and may cooperate with other queens to share the initial digging work.