Spruce Gall Adelgid vs Blue Mormon

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Spruce Gall Adelgid Blue Mormon
Scientific Name Adelges abietis Papilio polymnestor
Order Hemiptera Lepidoptera
Family Adelgidae Papilionidae
Size 1-2 mm 120-150 mm wingspan
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Gall Makers Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, North America (introduced) South Asia (India, Sri Lanka)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Spruce Gall Adelgid

A tiny woolly aphid-like insect that induces distinctive pineapple-shaped galls on Norway spruce twigs. The galls form when the insect's feeding causes abnormal growth of developing needles.

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Did You Know?

The pineapple-shaped galls are formed by modified needles that swell and fuse together, creating chambers in which the adelgid nymphs develop protected from the environment.

Blue Mormon

A large, spectacular swallowtail butterfly with deep black wings overlaid with brilliant blue bands. It is one of the largest butterflies in India and the state butterfly of Maharashtra.

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Did You Know?

The Blue Mormon is the state butterfly of Maharashtra and is protected under Indian wildlife law in certain states.