Citrus Swallowtail vs Lappet Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Citrus Swallowtail Lappet Moth
Scientific Name Papilio demodocus Gastropacha quercifolia
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Papilionidae Lasiocampidae
Size 90-120 mm wingspan 45-85 mm wingspan
Habitat Orchards Woodlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions Sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Lappet Moth

A moth that rests with wings layered to perfectly resemble a cluster of dead leaves.

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Did You Know?

Its scalloped wing edges enhance the dead leaf disguise.