Samoan Swallowtail vs Demon Charaxes
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Samoan Swallowtail | Demon Charaxes |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Papilio godeffroyi | Charaxes lucretius |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 70-90 mm wingspan | 70-90 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Forests |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Dung Feeders |
| Regions | Oceania (Samoa) | Central Africa (Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, DRC) |
| 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.
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.
Demon Charaxes
A large forest Charaxes with deep black upperside marked with blue iridescence in males. Females are larger and browner. The underside has intricate leaf-like patterning providing excellent camouflage.
Did You Know?
When resting with wings closed, this butterfly is almost invisible against the bark of forest trees thanks to its cryptic underside.