Indian Rose Chafer vs Black Swallowtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Indian Rose Chafer Black Swallowtail
Scientific Name Oxycetonia versicolor Papilio polyxenes
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Scarabaeidae Papilionidae
Size 12-18 mm 69-84 mm wingspan
Habitat Gardens Gardens
Diet Pollen Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions South Asia (India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh) North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Indian Rose Chafer

A compact, shiny beetle with variable coloring ranging from metallic green to dark bronze. Adults are frequently found nestled inside flowers, feeding on pollen and petals, and are common garden visitors.

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Did You Know?

These beetles can fly with their elytra closed by extending their hindwings through special openings at the sides, unlike most beetles.

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.

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Did You Know?

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