Priamus Birdwing vs Malagasy Mud Dauber Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Priamus Birdwing Malagasy Mud Dauber Wasp
Scientific Name Ornithoptera priamus Sceliphron madecassum
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Papilionidae Sphecidae
Size 120-190 mm wingspan 20-28 mm
Habitat Underground Farmland
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Oceania (Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, northern Australia) Madagascar
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Priamus Birdwing

A large and variable birdwing butterfly found across Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and parts of northern Australia. Males display vivid green and black wings. It is the most widespread species in the genus Ornithoptera.

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Did You Know?

This species shows extraordinary colour variation across its range, with over 100 subspecies described from different islands.

Malagasy Mud Dauber Wasp

A striking black and yellow wasp with a dramatically elongated, thread-like petiole connecting the thorax to the abdomen. It constructs tubular mud nests on walls and rock overhangs.

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Did You Know?

Each mud cell is stocked with several paralyzed spiders that remain alive as fresh food for the developing wasp larva.