South American Swallowtail vs Red-belted Clearwing
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | South American Swallowtail | Red-belted Clearwing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Heraclides thoas | Synanthedon myopaeformis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Sesiidae |
| Size | 100-130 mm wingspan | 18–24 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Orchards | Orchards |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Fruit Feeders |
| Regions | Brazil, Argentina, Central America, southern United States | Europe, Western Asia, North Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
South American Swallowtail
A large swallowtail butterfly with black wings bearing bright yellow band patterns and prominent tail extensions. It is a strong, rapid flier.
Did You Know?
When threatened, its caterpillar extends a bright orange forked organ called an osmeterium that releases a foul smell.
Red-belted Clearwing
A clearwing moth with a distinctive red band around its abdomen. Larvae bore beneath the bark of apple and other fruit trees.
Did You Know?
Adults are active in bright sunshine and visit flowers freely, looking nothing like a typical moth.