Orchard Swallowtail vs Philippine Atlas Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Orchard Swallowtail Philippine Atlas Moth
Scientific Name Papilio aegeus Attacus lemairei
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Papilionidae Saturniidae
Size 9-12 cm wingspan 200-280 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Mountains
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions Australia, Papua New Guinea Southeast Asia (Philippines, primarily Luzon and Mindanao)
Conservation Least Concern Vulnerable

Orchard Swallowtail

A large black swallowtail where females display white and red markings mimicking toxic butterflies. Males are mostly black with a row of pale spots.

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Did You Know?

Its caterpillars resemble bird droppings when young, providing excellent camouflage from predators.

Philippine Atlas Moth

A giant silk moth endemic to the Philippines with rich chestnut-brown wings and large transparent triangular windows near the wing tips. It closely resembles the common Atlas moth but has distinct wing patterns.

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Did You Know?

This species was only recognized as distinct from Attacus atlas in the late 20th century through careful study of wing pattern differences.