Pipevine Swallowtail vs Common Wainscot Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Pipevine Swallowtail | Common Wainscot Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Battus philenor | Mythimna pallens |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Noctuidae |
| Size | 70-110 mm wingspan | 33-40 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | North America from southern Canada to Mexico | Europe, Central Asia |
| 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.
Common Wainscot Moth
A plain straw-colored moth with a white hindwing and few distinguishing marks. It is abundant in grasslands and regularly comes to light traps.
Did You Know?
Its plain appearance makes it one of the most easily overlooked yet abundant moths in Europe.