Calleta Silk Moth vs Black Swallowtail
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Calleta Silk Moth | Black Swallowtail |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Eupackardia calleta | Papilio polyxenes |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Saturniidae | Papilionidae |
| Size | 85-110 mm wingspan | 69-84 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Gardens |
| Diet | Omnivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Southwestern United States, Mexico | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Calleta Silk Moth
A dark brown silk moth with striking white crescent markings and a broad white postmedial band on each wing. It is native to the Sonoran Desert and surrounding regions.
Did You Know?
Native peoples historically harvested its cocoons to make rattles and small containers.
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.