Malay Lacewing vs Swallowtail Butterfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Malay Lacewing Swallowtail Butterfly
Scientific Name Cethosia hypsea Papilio machaon
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Nymphalidae Papilionidae
Size 80-100 mm wingspan 65-86 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Underground
Diet Nectar Feeders Predators
Regions Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Borneo, Sumatra, Indonesia) Europe, Asia, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Malay Lacewing

A vividly colored butterfly with deep orange-red wings outlined in black with white spots along the margins. The undersides are even more intricately patterned with lace-like white and orange designs.

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Did You Know?

The intricate lacework pattern on the wing undersides gives this genus its common name and helps break up the butterfly's outline when resting.

Swallowtail Butterfly

Elegant butterfly with yellow wings marked with black veins and blue-red eyespots on hindwings. The tail extensions on hindwings divert predator attacks from the body.

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Did You Know?

Swallowtail caterpillars have a hidden orange forked organ called an osmeterium that they pop out from behind their head when threatened, releasing a foul smell.