Swallow-tailed Moth vs Desert Firetail Damselfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Swallow-tailed Moth Desert Firetail Damselfly
Scientific Name Ourapteryx sambucaria Telebasis salva
Order Lepidoptera Odonata
Family Geometridae Coenagrionidae
Size 50-62 mm wingspan 25-32 mm
Habitat Underground Deserts & Drylands
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, temperate Asia North America
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.

Desert Firetail Damselfly

A bright red damselfly found at ponds and streams in the arid American Southwest. Males are vivid crimson while females are duller brown.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the most heat-tolerant damselflies, actively flying in temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius.