Peppered Moth of New Zealand vs Dainty Swallowtail
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Peppered Moth of New Zealand | Dainty Swallowtail |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cleora scriptaria | Papilio anactus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Geometridae | Papilionidae |
| Size | 30-40 mm wingspan | 60-80 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Orchards |
| Diet | Herbivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand) | Australia, Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Peppered Moth of New Zealand
An endemic New Zealand geometrid moth known as the kawakawa looper, whose caterpillars feed on kawakawa and other native plants. The caterpillars are expert twig mimics, holding themselves rigid at an angle from the branch. Adults have speckled grey wings.
Did You Know?
The kawakawa looper caterpillar is such an effective twig mimic that it can be almost impossible to detect on a branch, even when you know it is there.
Dainty Swallowtail
A small, elegant swallowtail butterfly that is the most widespread Papilio species in Australia. It has black wings with rows of pale cream spots and subtle blue markings on the hindwings.
Did You Know?
Unlike most swallowtails, the Dainty Swallowtail is well adapted to arid inland environments and even deserts.