Hoverfly vs Dainty Swallowtail
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Hoverfly | Dainty Swallowtail |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Episyrphus balteatus | Papilio anactus |
| Order | Diptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Papilionidae |
| Size | 7-12 mm | 60-80 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Orchards |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, Africa | Australia, Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Hoverfly
Excellent Batesian mimics of wasps and bees. Important pollinators often overlooked. Can hover perfectly stationary in mid-air and even fly backwards.
Did You Know?
Hoverflies are so skilled at hovering that they can maintain their exact position in space even in strong winds, adjusting wing beats up to 300 times per second.
Dainty Swallowtail
A small, elegant swallowtail butterfly that is the most widespread Papilio species in Australia. It has black wings with rows of pale cream spots and subtle blue markings on the hindwings.
Did You Know?
Unlike most swallowtails, the Dainty Swallowtail is well adapted to arid inland environments and even deserts.