Giant Blue Swallowtail vs Canary Islands Brimstone Butterfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Blue Swallowtail Canary Islands Brimstone Butterfly
Scientific Name Papilio zalmoxis Gonepteryx cleobule
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Papilionidae Pieridae
Size 140-170 mm wingspan 55-65 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions West and Central Africa (Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, DRC, Ghana) Canary Islands
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Giant Blue Swallowtail

One of the largest and most spectacular butterflies in Africa, with a wingspan exceeding 150 mm. The wings are brilliant pale blue with dark margins. It is a powerful flier that inhabits the canopy of primary rainforests.

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Did You Know?

This magnificent butterfly rarely descends below 20 meters, spending most of its life soaring through the forest canopy.

Canary Islands Brimstone Butterfly

A bright yellow butterfly endemic to the Canary Islands, larger than its European relatives. It is found in laurel forests at mid-elevation.

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Did You Know?

Its leaf-shaped wings provide excellent camouflage when it rests with wings closed among foliage.