Red Helen vs Zebra Caddis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Red Helen Zebra Caddis
Scientific Name Papilio helenus Macrostemum zebratum
Order Lepidoptera Trichoptera
Family Papilionidae Hydropsychidae
Size 110-140 mm wingspan 15-20 mm
Habitat Forests Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos) Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Red Helen

A large, elegant swallowtail butterfly with black wings marked by large creamy-white patches on the hindwings and red crescents along the hindwing margin. It has a slow, sailing flight.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillar has an osmeterium, a bright orange forked organ behind the head that releases a foul smell to deter predators.

Zebra Caddis

A strikingly patterned net-spinning caddisfly of eastern North American rivers. Larvae build large silken capture nets in warm rivers.

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Did You Know?

Its bold zebra-striped wing pattern makes it one of the most visually striking North American caddisflies.