New Zealand Magpie Moth vs Citrus Swallowtail
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | New Zealand Magpie Moth | Citrus Swallowtail |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nyctemera annulata | Papilio demodocus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Erebidae | Papilionidae |
| Size | 35-45 mm wingspan | 90-120 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Gardens | Orchards |
| Diet | Predators | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand) | Sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
New Zealand Magpie Moth
A distinctive day-flying moth endemic to New Zealand, with black and white spotted wings. It is commonly seen fluttering in gardens and bush edges, where its hairy black caterpillars feed on ragwort and groundsel. The bold pattern warns predators of its distastefulness.
Did You Know?
The magpie moth's caterpillars feed on poisonous ragwort plants and store the toxins in their body, making both the caterpillar and adult moth toxic to predators.
Citrus Swallowtail
A common large swallowtail with cream and black patterned wings and blue-red eyespots on the hindwings. It is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa.
Did You Know?
Caterpillars have a forked orange osmeterium they inflate from behind their head to deter predators with a foul smell.