Giant Blue Swallowtail vs Ear Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Giant Blue Swallowtail | Ear Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Papilio zalmoxis | Amphipoea oculea |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Noctuidae |
| Size | 140-170 mm wingspan | 24-32 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Wetlands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | West and Central Africa (Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, DRC, Ghana) | Europe |
| 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.
Did You Know?
This magnificent butterfly rarely descends below 20 meters, spending most of its life soaring through the forest canopy.
Ear Moth
A small brown moth whose larvae bore inside grass and rush stems. Very variable in appearance. Part of a species complex requiring dissection for certain identification.
Did You Know?
Named for its ear-shaped wing stigma, though the marking is so variable it's often hard to see.