Four-barred Swordtail vs Garden Carpet

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Four-barred Swordtail Garden Carpet
Scientific Name Protographium leosthenes Xanthorhoe fluctuata
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Papilionidae Geometridae
Size 6-7 cm wingspan 22-28 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Gardens
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions Australia, Papua New Guinea Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Four-barred Swordtail

A distinctive swallowtail with translucent wings crossed by four dark bars and a long sword-like tail. It has a rapid, darting flight pattern.

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Did You Know?

Its nearly transparent wings make it extremely difficult to spot in dappled rainforest light.

Garden Carpet

A very common garden moth with variable grey and white patterning. Double-brooded with adults flying from April to October. Larvae feed on various cruciferous plants including garlic mustard.

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Did You Know?

One of the most frequently recorded moths in garden moth traps across Britain.