Pipevine Swallowtail vs Norse Grayling
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Pipevine Swallowtail | Norse Grayling |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Battus philenor | Oeneis norna |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 70-110 mm wingspan | 44-54 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Heathland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | North America from southern Canada to Mexico | Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, Siberia |
| 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.
Norse Grayling
A medium-sized grayish-brown butterfly with subtle orange patches and small eyespots. The wings have a semi-translucent quality that helps with camouflage on lichen-covered ground. It has an erratic, low flight.
Did You Know?
This butterfly emerges in alternate years only, with populations synchronized so that all adults in an area appear in the same year.