Scarce Swallowtail vs Giant Tachinid Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Scarce Swallowtail Giant Tachinid Fly
Scientific Name Iphiclides podalirius Tachina grossa
Order Lepidoptera Diptera
Family Papilionidae Tachinidae
Size Wingspan 64-84mm 12-18 mm
Habitat Heathland Heathland
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia Europe, Asia
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.

Giant Tachinid Fly

The largest tachinid fly in Europe, covered in dense black bristles. It parasitizes large moth caterpillars and is often seen on flowers in late summer.

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Did You Know?

Despite its intimidating bee-like appearance, it is completely harmless to humans.