Palamedes Swallowtail vs Sachem Skipper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Palamedes Swallowtail | Sachem Skipper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Papilio palamedes | Atalopedes campestris |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Hesperiidae |
| Size | 100-130 mm wingspan | 25-36 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Grasslands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Southeastern United States coastal plain | Throughout the United States, more common in the south |
| Conservation | Least Concern; threatened by laurel wilt disease k | Least Concern |
Palamedes Swallowtail
A large dark swallowtail of southern swamp forests with yellow bands and a distinctive yellow postmedial stripe on the hindwing underside. It has a slow, sailing flight through the forest understory.
Did You Know?
The spread of laurel wilt fungus, which kills red bay trees, now threatens this butterfly across much of its range.
Sachem Skipper
A small tawny-orange skipper with a distinctive large dark patch on the male's forewing. Females are darker with more mottled patterns.
Did You Know?
It is one of the most abundant skippers on American lawns, thriving in mowed Bermuda grass.