Giant Blue Swallowtail vs Giant Ladybird

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Blue Swallowtail Giant Ladybird
Scientific Name Papilio zalmoxis Anatis ocellata
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Papilionidae Coccinellidae
Size 140-170 mm wingspan 7-9 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions West and Central Africa (Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, DRC, Ghana) Europe, Northern Asia
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.

Giant Ladybird

The largest European ladybird, with orange elytra bearing black spots each encircled by a pale ring. It is a conifer specialist.

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Did You Know?

Its eyespot-ringed markings distinguish it from all other European ladybirds and may help startle predators.