Emperor Swallowtail vs Australian Large-headed Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Emperor Swallowtail Australian Large-headed Bee
Scientific Name Papilio ophidicephalus Stenotritus greavesi
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Papilionidae Stenotritidae
Size 100-130 mm wingspan 12-16 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Heathland
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Southern Africa, East Africa Australia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Emperor Swallowtail

South Africa's largest butterfly with bold black and yellow-green markings. Its caterpillar mimics a bird dropping in early instars.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillar's head bears false eyespots that make it resemble a small snake to deter predators.

Australian Large-headed Bee

A robust, fast-flying bee endemic to Australia with a disproportionately large head and powerful mandibles. It belongs to the most primitive extant family of bees.

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Did You Know?

Stenotritidae is the smallest bee family in the world, containing only 21 species all restricted to Australia.