Cistus Forester vs Giant Swallowtail of the Andes
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cistus Forester | Giant Swallowtail of the Andes |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Adscita statices | Papilio thoas |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Zygaenidae | Papilionidae |
| Size | 24-28 mm wingspan | 110-140 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Herbivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Cistus Forester
A small, metallic green day-flying moth found on chalk grassland and damp meadows. Males have feathery antennae. Larvae feed on common sorrel and sheep's sorrel.
Did You Know?
The metallic green wings glow brilliantly in sunshine, making this one of the most jewel-like of all European moths.
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.