Long-tailed Blue vs Zebra Swallowtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Long-tailed Blue Zebra Swallowtail
Scientific Name Lampides boeticus Eurytides marcellus
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Lycaenidae Papilionidae
Size 24-34 mm wingspan 64-100 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Woodlands
Diet Seed Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia Eastern United States
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Long-tailed Blue

A small pale violet-blue butterfly with thin hairlike tails on the hindwings and prominent false eyespots near them. It is one of the most widespread butterflies in the world.

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Did You Know?

The false head pattern on the hindwing tails tricks predators into attacking the wrong end of the butterfly.

Zebra Swallowtail

A pale greenish-white swallowtail with bold black stripes and very long hindwing tails. Its striking zebra-like pattern makes it one of the most recognizable North American butterflies.

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Did You Know?

Spring-emerging individuals have shorter tails and darker markings than the larger, paler summer generation.