Pipevine Swallowtail vs Arctic Mayfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Pipevine Swallowtail | Arctic Mayfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Battus philenor | Baetis bundyae |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Ephemeroptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Baetidae |
| Size | 70-110 mm wingspan | 5-8 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Tundra & Arctic |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | North America from southern Canada to Mexico | Arctic Canada, Alaska, northern Scandinavia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Pipevine Swallowtail
A dark swallowtail with brilliant iridescent blue hindwings and an orange-spotted underside. Its toxicity from Aristolochia host plants makes it the model for several mimicry complexes.
Did You Know?
At least five other butterfly species mimic its appearance to gain protection from predators.
Arctic Mayfly
A small, delicate mayfly with transparent wings and two long tail filaments. Nymphs are agile swimmers in cold Arctic streams. Adults emerge for a very brief mating flight during the short Arctic summer.
Did You Know?
Adult mayflies live only a few hours to a few days, just long enough to mate and lay eggs before dying.