Great Purple Hairstreak vs African Giant Swallowtail
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Great Purple Hairstreak | African Giant Swallowtail |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Atlides halesus | Papilio antimachus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Lycaenidae | Papilionidae |
| Size | 32-50 mm wingspan | 180-250 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Forests |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Southern United States from California to the Atlantic coast | Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Data Deficient |
Great Purple Hairstreak
The largest hairstreak in North America with brilliant iridescent blue upperside wings and a bright red-orange abdomen. Its underside is dark with metallic blue and red spots near the tails.
Did You Know?
Its caterpillars feed only on mistletoe, and females seek out this parasitic plant high in oak canopies to lay their eggs.
African Giant Swallowtail
The largest butterfly in Africa with a wingspan of up to 250 mm. It flies at great heights in the canopy and is rarely seen by casual observers.
Did You Know?
It is believed to be toxic to predators and is one of the few butterflies that has no known mimics.