Swallow-tailed Moth vs Moorland Clouded Yellow

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Swallow-tailed Moth Moorland Clouded Yellow
Scientific Name Ourapteryx sambucaria Colias palaeno
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Geometridae Pieridae
Size 50-62 mm wingspan 48-54 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Mountains
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, temperate Asia Northern and central Europe, temperate Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern (nationally endangered in several co

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.

Moorland Clouded Yellow

A lemon-yellow butterfly with dark wing borders found in northern bogs and mountain moors. It is a glacial relict species that has declined as peatlands have been drained.

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Did You Know?

As a relic of the last ice age, it survives only in the coldest, most acidic habitats in western Europe.