Green-head Ant vs Black Swallowtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Green-head Ant Black Swallowtail
Scientific Name Rhytidoponera metallica Papilio polyxenes
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Formicidae Papilionidae
Size 5-7 mm 69-84 mm wingspan
Habitat Gardens Gardens
Diet Seed Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Australia North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Green-head Ant

A common Australian ant with an iridescent metallic green or purple sheen on its head and body. It is one of the most frequently encountered ants in Australian gardens and bushland.

💡

Did You Know?

Colonies are often queenless, with mated workers called gamergates taking over reproduction.

Black Swallowtail

Black butterfly with yellow spot bands and blue hindwing patches; orange and black eyespot on each hindwing. Common in gardens across eastern North America.

💡

Did You Know?

Caterpillars extend a foul-smelling orange forked organ called an osmeterium when threatened.