Black Swallowtail vs Eri Silk Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Black Swallowtail | Eri Silk Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Papilio polyxenes | Samia ricini |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Saturniidae |
| Size | 69-84 mm wingspan | Wingspan 100-130 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Farmland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | North America | India (Assam), China, Japan, Southeast Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
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.
Eri Silk Moth
A large domesticated silk moth with chocolate-brown wings bearing crescent-shaped eyespots. It produces a durable white silk harvested without killing the pupa.
Did You Know?
It is the only fully domesticated silk moth whose silk can be harvested without killing the pupa inside the cocoon.