Giant Swallowtail vs Iberian Snakefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Swallowtail Iberian Snakefly
Scientific Name Papilio cresphontes Harraphidia laufferi
Order Lepidoptera Raphidioptera
Family Papilionidae Raphidiidae
Size 100-160 mm wingspan 10-14 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Omnivores
Regions North America, Central America Spain, Portugal
Conservation Least Concern Near Threatened

Giant Swallowtail

The largest butterfly in North America with dark brown wings crossed by yellow bands. Larvae resemble bird droppings for camouflage.

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Did You Know?

Its caterpillars are called Orange Dogs because they can be pests in citrus orchards.

Iberian Snakefly

A snakefly endemic to the Iberian Peninsula, found in cork oak and pine woodlands. It is one of several snakefly species restricted to the western Mediterranean.

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Did You Know?

The Iberian Peninsula is a hotspot for snakefly diversity, hosting more species per area than almost anywhere else.