Samoan Swallowtail vs Blue Mason Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Samoan Swallowtail Blue Mason Bee
Scientific Name Papilio godeffroyi Osmia caerulescens
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Papilionidae Megachilidae
Size 70-90 mm wingspan 7-10 mm
Habitat Forests Gardens
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Oceania (Samoa) Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe
Conservation Endangered Least Concern

Samoan Swallowtail

A rare and beautiful swallowtail butterfly endemic to Samoa. It has dark wings with pale markings and is found in native forest. It is considered one of the rarest butterflies in the Pacific Islands.

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Did You Know?

This is one of the most isolated swallowtail butterflies in the world, found only on the small islands of Samoa far from any other Papilio population.

Blue Mason Bee

A small, metallic blue-black solitary bee that nests in pre-existing cavities in wood and walls. It is common in gardens and readily uses artificial bee hotels.

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Did You Know?

Females seal each egg cell with chewed leaf material mixed with mud.