Swallow-tailed Moth vs Blue Morpho Caterpillar Parasite Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Swallow-tailed Moth | Blue Morpho Caterpillar Parasite Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ourapteryx sambucaria | Conura acuta |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Geometridae | Chalcididae |
| Size | 50-62 mm wingspan | 5-10 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Omnivores | Parasitoids |
| Regions | Europe, temperate Asia | South America (Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela) |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Despite its butterfly-like tail extensions, it is a true moth and is strongly attracted to light.
Blue Morpho Caterpillar Parasite Wasp
A metallic-colored parasitoid wasp that attacks the pupae of various Lepidoptera, including Morpho butterflies. The female inserts her ovipositor through the pupal shell to lay eggs inside the developing butterfly. Larvae consume the pupa from within before emerging as adult wasps.
Did You Know?
A single parasitized Morpho pupa can produce dozens of tiny wasps instead of one large butterfly.