Swallowtail Butterfly vs Pine White
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Swallowtail Butterfly | Pine White |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Papilio machaon | Neophasia menapia |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Pieridae |
| Size | 65-86 mm wingspan | 42-52 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Mountains |
| Diet | Predators | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North America | Western North America |
| 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.
Pine White
Delicate white butterfly with black forewing veins. Uniquely among pierids, larvae feed on conifer needles rather than broadleaf plants.
Did You Know?
Periodic population explosions can defoliate large stands of ponderosa pine forest.