Dainty Swallowtail vs Giant Resin Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dainty Swallowtail Giant Resin Bee
Scientific Name Papilio anactus Megachile sculpturalis
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Papilionidae Megachilidae
Size 60-80 mm wingspan 14-24 mm
Habitat Orchards Woodlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Australia, Oceania East Asia, North America, Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Dainty Swallowtail

A small, elegant swallowtail butterfly that is the most widespread Papilio species in Australia. It has black wings with rows of pale cream spots and subtle blue markings on the hindwings.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most swallowtails, the Dainty Swallowtail is well adapted to arid inland environments and even deserts.

Giant Resin Bee

A large solitary bee originally from East Asia now invasive in North America and Europe. It uses tree resin and mud to seal its nesting cavities.

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Did You Know?

It was first detected in the US in 1994 and has spread rapidly across the eastern states.