Emperor Swallowtail vs High Brown Fritillary

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Emperor Swallowtail High Brown Fritillary
Scientific Name Papilio ophidicephalus Fabriciana adippe
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Papilionidae Nymphalidae
Size 100-130 mm wingspan 55-65 mm wingspan
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Grasslands
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Southern Africa, East Africa Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern 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.

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Did You Know?

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

High Brown Fritillary

A large, fast-flying fritillary with rich tawny-orange wings and a complex pattern of silver spots beneath. It is one of Europe's most rapidly declining butterflies.

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Did You Know?

In Britain it is the country's most endangered butterfly, having lost over 80% of its colonies.