Malachite Butterfly vs Giant Swallowtail of the Andes
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Malachite Butterfly | Giant Swallowtail of the Andes |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Siproeta stelenes | Papilio thoas |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Papilionidae |
| Size | Wingspan 85-100mm | 110-140 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Orchards | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Herbivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | North America, South America | South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Malachite Butterfly
A large butterfly with striking black and brilliant malachite green patterning on both wing surfaces. It has a slow graceful flight.
Did You Know?
Unlike most butterflies it feeds primarily on rotting fruit and bird droppings rather than flower nectar.
Giant Swallowtail of the Andes
One of the largest swallowtail butterflies in South America, with bold yellow and black striped wings and long tail streamers. It is a powerful flier that ranges from sea level to over 2000 m in the Andes. Larvae mimic bird droppings as a defense mechanism.
Did You Know?
When threatened, the caterpillar everts a bright red forked organ called an osmeterium from behind its head, releasing a foul-smelling chemical.