Clouded Yellow vs South American Swallowtail
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Clouded Yellow | South American Swallowtail |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Colias croceus | Heraclides thoas |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Pieridae | Papilionidae |
| Size | Wingspan 46-54mm | 100-130 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Farmland | Orchards |
| Diet | Herbivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Africa, Asia | Brazil, Argentina, Central America, southern United States |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Clouded Yellow
A fast-flying bright orange-yellow butterfly with black wing borders. A pale female form called helice has greenish-white wings instead of orange.
Did You Know?
It migrates north from the Mediterranean each year but the return generation flies south at such high altitude it is rarely observed.
South American Swallowtail
A large swallowtail butterfly with black wings bearing bright yellow band patterns and prominent tail extensions. It is a strong, rapid flier.
Did You Know?
When threatened, its caterpillar extends a bright orange forked organ called an osmeterium that releases a foul smell.