Rain Fly vs Giant Swallowtail of the Andes
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Rain Fly | Giant Swallowtail of the Andes |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Haematopota crassicornis | Papilio thoas |
| Order | Diptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Tabanidae | Papilionidae |
| Size | 9-12 mm | 110-140 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Central Asia | South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Rain Fly
A medium-sized cleg with mottled grey wings and iridescent green eyes. It is most active in humid overcast weather before thunderstorms.
Did You Know?
Its activity increases dramatically before rainstorms, hence the common name 'rain fly'.
Giant Swallowtail of the Andes
One of the largest swallowtail butterflies in South America, with bold yellow and black striped wings and long tail streamers. It is a powerful flier that ranges from sea level to over 2000 m in the Andes. Larvae mimic bird droppings as a defense mechanism.
Did You Know?
When threatened, the caterpillar everts a bright red forked organ called an osmeterium from behind its head, releasing a foul-smelling chemical.