Police Car Swallowtail vs Scarlet Longhorn Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Police Car Swallowtail | Scarlet Longhorn Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Graphium policenes | Mastododera coccinea |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Cerambycidae |
| Size | 60-75 mm wingspan | 25-40 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Forests |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | West and Central Africa (Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, DRC, Ivory Coast) | Madagascar |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Police Car Swallowtail
A striking swallowtail butterfly with black wings covered in small pale green spots resembling a police car's livery. It has short hindwing tails and a rapid, darting flight. Common in forest areas throughout its range.
Did You Know?
Its common name comes from the black-and-white spotted pattern that was thought to resemble early police vehicles.
Scarlet Longhorn Beetle
A visually striking longhorn beetle with bright red elytra and a dark head and thorax. Its long, curved antennae often exceed the length of its body.
Did You Know?
Its brilliant red coloration is thought to serve as a warning signal, though the beetle is not known to be toxic.