Swallow-tailed Moth vs African Commodore Butterfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Swallow-tailed Moth African Commodore Butterfly
Scientific Name Ourapteryx sambucaria Precis pelarga
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Geometridae Nymphalidae
Size 50-62 mm wingspan 45-55 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Grasslands
Diet Omnivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, temperate Asia Southern Africa, East Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Swallow-tailed Moth

A large, pale lemon-yellow moth with pointed tail-like projections on its hindwings. Its graceful shape and colour make it one of the most elegant geometrid moths.

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Did You Know?

Despite its butterfly-like tail extensions, it is a true moth and is strongly attracted to light.

African Commodore Butterfly

A medium-sized butterfly with warm orange-brown wings and subtle eyespots near the wing margins. It is common in open bushveld and grasslands.

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Did You Know?

Dry-season and wet-season forms look so different they were originally described as separate species.