Giant Swallowtail of the Andes vs Snail-Case Caddis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Giant Swallowtail of the Andes | Snail-Case Caddis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Papilio thoas | Helicopsyche borealis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Trichoptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Helicopsychidae |
| Size | 110-140 mm wingspan | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia) | North America |
| 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.
Snail-Case Caddis
A remarkable caddisfly whose larvae build coiled cases from sand grains that closely resemble tiny snail shells. It is widespread in North American streams.
Did You Know?
Its spiral case is so convincing that early naturalists classified the larvae as snails rather than insects.