Emerald Swallowtail vs Macrosoma lucivittata
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Emerald Swallowtail | Macrosoma lucivittata |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Papilio palinurus | Macrosoma lucivittata |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Hedylidae |
| Size | 80-100 mm wingspan | 32-42 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Forests |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | South America (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru) | Central America, South America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Emerald Swallowtail
A stunning swallowtail butterfly with broad bands of emerald green on black wings. The green color is produced by yellow and blue structural layers overlapping. It has graceful spatulate tails on the hindwings.
Did You Know?
The emerald green color is actually an optical illusion created by alternating layers of yellow and blue on the wing scales.
Macrosoma lucivittata
Moth-butterfly with pale wings bearing a translucent vitreous stripe. One of the more distinctive hedylid species.
Did You Know?
The glass-like wing stripe may function in crypsis by breaking up the wing outline at night.