Red Lacewing vs Black Swallowtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Red Lacewing Black Swallowtail
Scientific Name Cethosia biblis Papilio polyxenes
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Nymphalidae Papilionidae
Size 80-95 mm wingspan 69-84 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Gardens
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Southeast Asia (Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam) North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Red Lacewing

A large butterfly with brilliant red-orange wings boldly bordered in black and white. The underside features an elaborate network of red, white, and black in a striking lacework pattern.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillars are gregarious and covered in branching spines that deliver a mild sting, providing collective defense against predators.

Black Swallowtail

Black butterfly with yellow spot bands and blue hindwing patches; orange and black eyespot on each hindwing. Common in gardens across eastern North America.

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Did You Know?

Caterpillars extend a foul-smelling orange forked organ called an osmeterium when threatened.