Black Swallowtail vs Polyphemus Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Black Swallowtail | Polyphemus Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Papilio polyxenes | Antheraea polyphemus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Saturniidae |
| Size | 69-84 mm wingspan | Wingspan 100-150mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Woodlands |
| 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.
Polyphemus Moth
A large tan moth with prominent purple-ringed eyespots on its hindwings. It is named after the cyclops Polyphemus from Greek mythology.
Did You Know?
A single caterpillar can eat 86000 times its weight in food in the two months before it pupates.