Richmond Birdwing vs Tawny-edged Skipper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Richmond Birdwing | Tawny-edged Skipper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ornithoptera richmondia | Polites themistocles |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Hesperiidae |
| Size | 11-13 cm wingspan | 20-27 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Grasslands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Australia | Eastern and Central North America |
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Richmond Birdwing
A large subtropical birdwing butterfly with green and black males and brown females. It is threatened by habitat loss and a toxic introduced vine.
Did You Know?
Larvae that accidentally feed on the invasive Dutchman's pipe vine are poisoned and die.
Tawny-edged Skipper
A small brown skipper with a warm orange-tawny leading edge on the forewing. It is one of the most common grass skippers in eastern North America but is easily overlooked.
Did You Know?
It is named after the ancient Athenian general Themistocles, following a tradition of naming skippers after classical figures.