Southern Festoon vs Picture-Winged Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Southern Festoon | Picture-Winged Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Zerynthia polyxena | Delphinia picta |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Ulidiidae |
| Size | 46-56 mm wingspan | 5-8 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Underground |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Southern and eastern Europe | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern (protected in many countries) | Least Concern |
Southern Festoon
A strikingly patterned butterfly with yellow wings marked with black zigzags and red spots. It is one of Europe's earliest spring butterflies and resembles a small, ornate kite.
Did You Know?
Its larvae sequester toxic aristolochic acids from their food plant, making all life stages unpalatable to birds.
Picture-Winged Fly
A small fly with beautifully patterned wings that it waves in display like tiny semaphore flags. The wing patterns may serve in species recognition and courtship.
Did You Know?
When walking, it continuously waves its patterned wings in a mesmerizing display, resembling a tiny insect conductor leading an orchestra.