Scarce Swallowtail vs Black Arches

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Scarce Swallowtail Black Arches
Scientific Name Iphiclides podalirius Lymantria monacha
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Papilionidae Erebidae
Size Wingspan 64-84mm 40-55 mm wingspan
Habitat Heathland Forests
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, Asia Europe, temperate Asia, Japan
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Scarce Swallowtail

A pale yellow swallowtail butterfly with bold black tiger stripes and long tailed hindwings tipped with blue. It soars elegantly on updrafts.

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Did You Know?

Males gather in large numbers at hilltops in a behavior called hilltopping to increase their chances of finding mates.

Black Arches

A striking moth with white wings boldly marked with black zigzag lines and a pink-flushed abdomen. It can occasionally erupt in huge outbreaks that defoliate conifer forests.

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Did You Know?

During outbreaks in central Europe, caterpillar frass falling from trees sounds like rainfall.