Swallowtail Butterfly vs Pale Tussock
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Swallowtail Butterfly | Pale Tussock |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Papilio machaon | Calliteara pudibunda |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Erebidae |
| Size | 65-86 mm wingspan | 40-65 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North America | Europe, western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Swallowtail Butterfly
Elegant butterfly with yellow wings marked with black veins and blue-red eyespots on hindwings. The tail extensions on hindwings divert predator attacks from the body.
Did You Know?
Swallowtail caterpillars have a hidden orange forked organ called an osmeterium that they pop out from behind their head when threatened, releasing a foul smell.
Pale Tussock
A fluffy grey-white moth with distinctively feathered legs held forward at rest. Its caterpillar is spectacular, with dense yellow or green hair tufts and a red tail tuft.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar's bright hair tufts are irritating to skin and were once used in practical jokes.