Neotropical Metallic Wood Borer vs Schaus Swallowtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Neotropical Metallic Wood Borer Schaus Swallowtail
Scientific Name Euchroma gigantea Heraclides aristodemus ponceanus
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Buprestidae Papilionidae
Size 40-80 mm 83-95 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname Florida Keys, United States
Conservation Not Evaluated Endangered

Neotropical Metallic Wood Borer

The largest jewel beetle in the Americas with iridescent green, red, and purple elytra. It is commonly found on dead or dying tropical hardwoods.

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Did You Know?

Indigenous peoples of the Amazon use its iridescent wing covers to make traditional jewelry and ceremonial ornaments.

Schaus Swallowtail

A dark swallowtail with yellow bands and rusty-brown hindwing patches restricted to hardwood hammocks of the Florida Keys. It is one of the most endangered butterflies in the United States.

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Did You Know?

After Hurricane Andrew in 1992 nearly wiped out the species, a captive breeding program at the University of Florida saved it from extinction.