Common Rose Swallowtail vs Sand Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Rose Swallowtail Sand Wasp
Scientific Name Pachliopta aristolochiae Bembix rostrata
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Papilionidae Crabronidae
Size Wingspan 80-110 mm 15-22 mm
Habitat Woodlands Beaches & Coastal
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions India, Sri Lanka, China, Southeast Asia Europe, North Africa, Central Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Common Rose Swallowtail

A striking black and crimson swallowtail butterfly common across South and Southeast Asia. Its body contains toxins sequestered from Aristolochia host plants.

💡

Did You Know?

Several non-toxic butterfly species mimic its bold red and black warning colors to avoid predators.

Sand Wasp

A robust wasp that digs burrows in sandy soil and provisions them with flies. It progressively feeds its larvae fresh prey over several days.

💡

Did You Know?

Unlike most solitary wasps, the mother continues to care for and feed her larvae after hatching.