Citrus Swallowtail vs Desert Large-headed Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Citrus Swallowtail Desert Large-headed Bee
Scientific Name Papilio demodocus Ctenocolletes nigricans
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Papilionidae Stenotritidae
Size 90-120 mm wingspan 11-15 mm
Habitat Orchards Deserts & Drylands
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar Central and Western Australia
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

Citrus Swallowtail

A common large swallowtail with cream and black patterned wings and blue-red eyespots on the hindwings. It is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa.

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Did You Know?

Caterpillars have a forked orange osmeterium they inflate from behind their head to deter predators with a foul smell.

Desert Large-headed Bee

A dark-bodied, heat-tolerant bee found in arid inland Australia. It forages during the hottest parts of the day when most other bees are inactive.

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Did You Know?

It can remain active in ambient temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius that would ground most other bee species.