Emperor Swallowtail vs Copper-tailed Cuckoo Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Emperor Swallowtail | Copper-tailed Cuckoo Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Papilio ophidicephalus | Chrysis succincta |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Chrysididae |
| Size | 100-130 mm wingspan | 5-9 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Woodlands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Southern Africa, East Africa | Europe |
| 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.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar's head bears false eyespots that make it resemble a small snake to deter predators.
Copper-tailed Cuckoo Wasp
A medium-sized cuckoo wasp with a metallic green forebody and a warm coppery-gold abdomen. It parasitizes the nests of cavity-nesting solitary bees.
Did You Know?
Its heavy, pitted exoskeleton acts like armor plating, protecting it from the stings of host wasps defending their nests.