Brimstone Moth vs Giant Swallowtail of the Andes
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Brimstone Moth | Giant Swallowtail of the Andes |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Opisthograptis luteolata | Papilio thoas |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Geometridae | Papilionidae |
| Size | 33-40 mm wingspan | 110-140 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, western Asia | South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Brimstone Moth
A bright yellow moth with chestnut-brown blotches along the leading edge of each wing. It is a common and cheerful visitor to lighted windows in summer.
Did You Know?
Despite sharing a name with the brimstone butterfly, the two species are not closely related at all.
Giant Swallowtail of the Andes
One of the largest swallowtail butterflies in South America, with bold yellow and black striped wings and long tail streamers. It is a powerful flier that ranges from sea level to over 2000 m in the Andes. Larvae mimic bird droppings as a defense mechanism.
Did You Know?
When threatened, the caterpillar everts a bright red forked organ called an osmeterium from behind its head, releasing a foul-smelling chemical.