Buff Ermine Moth vs African Giant Swallowtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Buff Ermine Moth African Giant Swallowtail
Scientific Name Spilosoma lutea Papilio antimachus
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Erebidae Papilionidae
Size 34-42 mm wingspan 180-250 mm wingspan
Habitat Farmland Forests
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia Africa
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

Buff Ermine Moth

A creamy-buff moth with scattered dark spots and a distinctive dark streak along the forewing costa. It closely resembles the White Ermine but has warmer tones.

💡

Did You Know?

Unlike many ermine moths, it has a conspicuous dark diagonal streak near the wing tip.

African Giant Swallowtail

The largest butterfly in Africa with a wingspan of up to 250 mm. It flies at great heights in the canopy and is rarely seen by casual observers.

💡

Did You Know?

It is believed to be toxic to predators and is one of the few butterflies that has no known mimics.