Golden Orchid Bee vs Giant Swallowtail of the Andes
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Golden Orchid Bee | Giant Swallowtail of the Andes |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Eufriesea surinamensis | Papilio thoas |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Apidae | Papilionidae |
| Size | 18-24 mm | 110-140 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Suriname, Brazil, French Guiana, Venezuela, Central America | South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia) |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Golden Orchid Bee
A stunningly beautiful orchid bee with a metallic golden-green body and reddish legs. It is a solitary nester that builds cells from resin and plant material.
Did You Know?
Females construct their nest cells from tree resin, which has natural antimicrobial properties that protect developing larvae.
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.