Giant Swallowtail of the Andes vs Cranberry Blue
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Giant Swallowtail of the Andes | Cranberry Blue |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Papilio thoas | Plebejus optilete |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 110-140 mm wingspan | 22-28 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Underground |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia) | Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, Siberia, subarctic Japan |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Giant Swallowtail of the Andes
One of the largest swallowtail butterflies in South America, with bold yellow and black striped wings and long tail streamers. It is a powerful flier that ranges from sea level to over 2000 m in the Andes. Larvae mimic bird droppings as a defense mechanism.
Did You Know?
When threatened, the caterpillar everts a bright red forked organ called an osmeterium from behind its head, releasing a foul-smelling chemical.
Cranberry Blue
A small butterfly with violet-blue upperwings in males and dark brown in females. The hindwing underside has a diagnostic metallic silver spot. It frequents boggy habitats where its larval foodplant cranberry grows.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar is tended by ants which protect it from parasitoids in exchange for sweet honeydew secretions.