Rothschild's Achias vs Red Helen

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Rothschild's Achias Red Helen
Scientific Name Achias rothschildi Papilio helenus
Order Diptera Lepidoptera
Family Platystomatidae Papilionidae
Size 15-18 mm 110-140 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Sap Feeders Omnivores
Regions Papua New Guinea Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos)
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Rothschild's Achias

A remarkable Papua New Guinean fly where males have enormously elongated eye stalks. Males use their extended eyes to size up rivals. Has the largest head capsule of any known insect.

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Did You Know?

Has the largest head capsule relative to body size of any insect, with eye stalks wider than its body.

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.