Goliath Birdwing vs Long-tailed Skipper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Goliath Birdwing Long-tailed Skipper
Scientific Name Ornithoptera goliath Urbanus proteus
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Papilionidae Hesperiidae
Size 150-210 mm wingspan 43-55 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Farmland
Diet Nectar Feeders Omnivores
Regions Oceania (Papua New Guinea, Moluccas) Southern United States through Central and South America
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Goliath Birdwing

One of the largest butterflies in the world, found in the rainforests of Papua New Guinea and nearby islands. Males are brilliantly coloured with green, yellow, and black markings. Females are larger but more subdued in colour.

💡

Did You Know?

Despite its enormous size, the Goliath birdwing is a powerful and graceful flier, often soaring high above the forest canopy.

Long-tailed Skipper

A striking skipper with iridescent blue-green body and wing bases and long tail-like projections on the hindwings. It is a strong flier and occasional migrant.

💡

Did You Know?

Known as the bean leaf roller because the caterpillar folds bean leaves into tubular shelters.