Madagascan Giant Swallowtail vs Common Blue Butterfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Madagascan Giant Swallowtail Common Blue Butterfly
Scientific Name Pharmacophagus antenor Polyommatus icarus
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Papilionidae Lycaenidae
Size 100-120 mm wingspan 28-36 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Grasslands
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Madagascar Europe, North Africa, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Madagascan Giant Swallowtail

A large black swallowtail butterfly with red and white markings, endemic to Madagascar. It is the island's largest butterfly species.

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Did You Know?

Larvae sequester toxic aristolochic acids from their host plant, making them unpalatable to birds.

Common Blue Butterfly

A small butterfly where males are vivid violet-blue and females are brown with orange spots. It is the most widespread blue butterfly in Europe.

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Did You Know?

Its caterpillars secrete a sweet honeydew that attracts ants, which in turn protect them from predators.