Heart and Dart vs Schaus Swallowtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Heart and Dart Schaus Swallowtail
Scientific Name Agrotis exclamationis Heraclides aristodemus ponceanus
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Noctuidae Papilionidae
Size 32-40 mm wingspan 83-95 mm wingspan
Habitat Farmland Forests
Diet Root Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Europe, temperate Asia Florida Keys, United States
Conservation Least Concern Endangered

Heart and Dart

An extremely common brown moth named for the heart and dart-shaped markings on its forewing. It is often the most abundant species in light traps across Europe.

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Did You Know?

A single light trap can capture over a thousand individuals in one night during peak emergence.

Schaus Swallowtail

A dark swallowtail with yellow bands and rusty-brown hindwing patches restricted to hardwood hammocks of the Florida Keys. It is one of the most endangered butterflies in the United States.

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Did You Know?

After Hurricane Andrew in 1992 nearly wiped out the species, a captive breeding program at the University of Florida saved it from extinction.