Giant Swallowtail of the Andes vs Japanese Tiger Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Giant Swallowtail of the Andes | Japanese Tiger Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Papilio thoas | Cicindela japonica |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Cicindelidae |
| Size | 110-140 mm wingspan | 16-20 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia) | Japan, Korea, Eastern China |
| 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.
Japanese Tiger Beetle
A common and widespread tiger beetle across Japan with variable coloring from green to coppery brown. It frequents sunny paths and open ground.
Did You Know?
In Japanese it is called hanzomushi, named after the famous ninja Hattori Hanzo because of its elusive speed.