Grannom Caddisfly vs Green-banded Swallowtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Grannom Caddisfly Green-banded Swallowtail
Scientific Name Brachycentrus subnubilus Papilio nireus
Order Trichoptera Lepidoptera
Family Brachycentridae Papilionidae
Size 8-12 mm 80-100 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Detritivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe Sub-Saharan Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Grannom Caddisfly

A small dark caddisfly that produces massive spring hatches on European rivers. Larvae build distinctive square-sectioned cases from silk and plant fibers.

💡

Did You Know?

Grannom hatches are so dense on some rivers that local people historically swept up mounds of dead adults to use as fertilizer.

Green-banded Swallowtail

A striking black swallowtail with brilliant metallic blue-green bands across both wings. It is a fast flier often seen mud-puddling along rivers.

💡

Did You Know?

Males gather in large numbers at muddy riverbanks to drink mineral-rich water, a behavior called mud-puddling.