Giant Blue Swallowtail vs Chinese Peacock Swallowtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Blue Swallowtail Chinese Peacock Swallowtail
Scientific Name Papilio zalmoxis Papilio bianor
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Papilionidae Papilionidae
Size 140-170 mm wingspan Wingspan 80-110 mm
Habitat Forests Mountains
Diet Omnivores Nectar Feeders
Regions West and Central Africa (Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, DRC, Ghana) China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam
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.

Chinese Peacock Swallowtail

A large swallowtail with dark wings that shimmer with brilliant blue-green iridescence. Its hindwings feature red and blue eyespot markings near the tails.

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Did You Know?

The stunning blue-green iridescence on its wings inspired research into photonic crystal nanostructures.