Heath Bee Fly vs African Giant Swallowtail
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Heath Bee Fly | African Giant Swallowtail |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bombylius minor | Papilio antimachus |
| Order | Diptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Bombyliidae | Papilionidae |
| Size | 7-10 mm | 180-250 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Forests |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Data Deficient |
Heath Bee Fly
A small, late-summer bee fly with greyish fur and clear wings. Its larvae parasitize solitary wasps in sandy habitats.
Did You Know?
Unlike most bee flies that appear in spring, this species flies mainly in July and August.
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.