Orchard Swallowtail vs Yellow Flower Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Orchard Swallowtail | Yellow Flower Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Papilio aegeus | Radumeris tasmaniensis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Scoliidae |
| Size | 9-12 cm wingspan | 25-40 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Gardens |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Australia, Papua New Guinea | Australia, Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Did You Know?
Its caterpillars resemble bird droppings when young, providing excellent camouflage from predators.
Yellow Flower Wasp
A large, robust wasp with a bright yellow and black body commonly seen visiting flowers in Australian gardens. Females burrow into soil to parasitise beetle larvae, particularly Christmas beetle grubs.
Did You Know?
Male yellow flower wasps are often seen carrying females during mating flights, sometimes visiting flowers while still coupled.