Paris Peacock vs Birch Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Paris Peacock Birch Sawfly
Scientific Name Papilio paris Cimbex femoratus
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Papilionidae Cimbicidae
Size 90-120 mm wingspan 20-28 mm
Habitat Forests Parks
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions South and Southeast Asia, southern China Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Paris Peacock

A magnificent large swallowtail with velvety black wings bearing a large iridescent blue-green patch on each hindwing that changes color with viewing angle. It frequents forest canopies.

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Did You Know?

The shimmering blue-green patch on the hindwing is produced by nanoscale concavities in the wing scales that act like tiny mirrors.

Birch Sawfly

One of the largest European sawflies, with a stout body, clubbed antennae, and variable coloring from black to yellowish-brown. Larvae are large, pale green caterpillar-like grubs found curled on birch leaves.

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Did You Know?

When disturbed, the large larva can squirt a jet of fluid from glands above its spiracles as a defensive mechanism.