Great Helen vs Black-shouldered Spinyleg

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Great Helen Black-shouldered Spinyleg
Scientific Name Papilio iswara Dromogomphus spinosus
Order Lepidoptera Odonata
Family Papilionidae Gomphidae
Size 120-150 mm wingspan 60-70 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Nectar Feeders Omnivores
Regions Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Borneo, Sumatra, Thailand, Myanmar) North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Great Helen

A large, elegant swallowtail with dark velvety black wings bearing a broad white band across the hindwings and blue submarginal spots. The hindwings have distinctive spatulate tails.

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Did You Know?

Males are often seen mud-puddling in large groups along forest streams, sometimes alongside dozens of other swallowtail species.

Black-shouldered Spinyleg

A large, elegant clubtail with distinctive spiny hind legs and black shoulder stripes. It perches conspicuously on rocks and logs along streams.

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Did You Know?

The spiny projections on its hind legs form a basket used to scoop prey out of the air.