Homerus Swallowtail vs Pine White

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Homerus Swallowtail Pine White
Scientific Name Papilio homerus Neophasia menapia
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Papilionidae Pieridae
Size 130-150 mm wingspan 42-52 mm wingspan
Habitat Mountains Mountains
Diet Omnivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Jamaica (Blue Mountains and John Crow Mountains only) Western North America
Conservation Endangered Least Concern

Homerus Swallowtail

The largest butterfly in the Americas, with a wingspan reaching 150 mm and bold black and yellow patterning. It is endemic to Jamaica and restricted to two mountain ranges.

💡

Did You Know?

Fewer than an estimated 500 adults exist in the wild, confined to shrinking patches of Jamaican mountain forest.

Pine White

Delicate white butterfly with black forewing veins. Uniquely among pierids, larvae feed on conifer needles rather than broadleaf plants.

💡

Did You Know?

Periodic population explosions can defoliate large stands of ponderosa pine forest.