Chimera Birdwing vs African Sugarcane Borer

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Chimera Birdwing African Sugarcane Borer
Scientific Name Ornithoptera chimaera Eldana saccharina
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Papilionidae Pyralidae
Size 140-190 mm wingspan 20-30 mm wingspan
Habitat Mountains Wetlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Omnivores
Regions Oceania (Papua New Guinea - highlands) Africa
Conservation Near Threatened Not Evaluated

Chimera Birdwing

A large montane birdwing butterfly found in the highlands of Papua New Guinea. It occurs at elevations between 1200 and 2000 metres, higher than most other birdwings. Males have bright green and gold markings on black wings.

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Did You Know?

Named after the chimera of Greek mythology, this butterfly's iridescent wing colours shift dramatically depending on the angle of light.

African Sugarcane Borer

The most important pest of sugarcane in sub-Saharan Africa. Larvae bore into sugarcane stalks, reducing sugar content and yield.

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Did You Know?

It originally fed on indigenous wetland grasses before switching to cultivated sugarcane.