Long-legged Oil Bee vs Madagascan Giant Swallowtail
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Long-legged Oil Bee | Madagascan Giant Swallowtail |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rediviva longimanus | Pharmacophagus antenor |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Melittidae | Papilionidae |
| Size | 12-15 mm | 100-120 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Heathland | Forests |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | South Africa | Madagascar |
| Conservation | Data Deficient | Least Concern |
Long-legged Oil Bee
An extraordinary South African bee whose front legs are nearly twice its body length, the longest of any bee relative to body size. It uses these to collect oils from long-spurred flowers.
Did You Know?
The coevolution between its leg length and Diascia spur length is one of the most famous examples of a pollination arms race.
Madagascan Giant Swallowtail
A large black swallowtail butterfly with red and white markings, endemic to Madagascar. It is the island's largest butterfly species.
Did You Know?
Larvae sequester toxic aristolochic acids from their host plant, making them unpalatable to birds.