Goatweed Leafwing vs Pipevine Swallowtail
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Goatweed Leafwing | Pipevine Swallowtail |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anaea andria | Battus philenor |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Papilionidae |
| Size | 55-75 mm wingspan | 70-110 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Farmland | Grasslands |
| Diet | Dung Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Central and Eastern United States, northern Mexico | North America from southern Canada to Mexico |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Goatweed Leafwing
A bright orange butterfly whose angular wing shape and mottled brown underside create a perfect dead-leaf disguise when at rest. It almost never visits flowers.
Did You Know?
It overwinters as an adult, hiding among dead leaves where its camouflage makes it virtually invisible.
Pipevine Swallowtail
A dark swallowtail with brilliant iridescent blue hindwings and an orange-spotted underside. Its toxicity from Aristolochia host plants makes it the model for several mimicry complexes.
Did You Know?
At least five other butterfly species mimic its appearance to gain protection from predators.