Spotted Grass Moth vs Pipevine Swallowtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Spotted Grass Moth Pipevine Swallowtail
Scientific Name Rivula propinqualis Battus philenor
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Crambidae Papilionidae
Size 15-20 mm wingspan 70-110 mm wingspan
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Grasslands
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Eastern North America North America from southern Canada to Mexico
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Spotted Grass Moth

A tiny yellowish moth with a distinctive dark spot on each forewing. It is extremely common in damp grassy habitats across eastern North America.

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Did You Know?

Despite being one of the most abundant moths in its range, it is so small that most people never notice it.

Pipevine Swallowtail

A dark swallowtail with brilliant iridescent blue hindwings and an orange-spotted underside. Its toxicity from Aristolochia host plants makes it the model for several mimicry complexes.

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Did You Know?

At least five other butterfly species mimic its appearance to gain protection from predators.