Chinese Dobsonfly vs Great Helen

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Chinese Dobsonfly Great Helen
Scientific Name Neoneuromus ignobilis Papilio iswara
Order Megaloptera Lepidoptera
Family Corydalidae Papilionidae
Size 40-60 mm body 120-150 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Asia Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Borneo, Sumatra, Thailand, Myanmar)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Chinese Dobsonfly

A large dark-colored dobsonfly found in streams across China and Southeast Asia. It is less well known than its North American relatives but equally impressive in size.

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Did You Know?

In parts of China, dobsonfly larvae are collected from streams and used in traditional medicine as a remedy for various ailments.

Great Helen

A large, elegant swallowtail with dark velvety black wings bearing a broad white band across the hindwings and blue submarginal spots. The hindwings have distinctive spatulate tails.

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Did You Know?

Males are often seen mud-puddling in large groups along forest streams, sometimes alongside dozens of other swallowtail species.