Great Helen vs Hickory Horned Devil
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Great Helen | Hickory Horned Devil |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Papilio iswara | Citheronia regalis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Saturniidae |
| Size | 120-150 mm wingspan | 150 mm (caterpillar), 130-155 mm wingspan (adult) |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Woodlands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Herbivores |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Males are often seen mud-puddling in large groups along forest streams, sometimes alongside dozens of other swallowtail species.
Hickory Horned Devil
The largest caterpillar in North America at up to 150 mm, with dramatic curved horns and fearsome appearance. Despite looking terrifying, it is completely harmless.
Did You Know?
Despite being the most terrifying-looking caterpillar in North America with its huge curved horns, the hickory horned devil is completely harmless — it cannot sting or bite.