Swallowtail Butterfly vs Silver-striped Hawk Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Swallowtail Butterfly | Silver-striped Hawk Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Papilio machaon | Hippotion celerio |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 65-86 mm wingspan | 60-80 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Orchards |
| Diet | Predators | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North America | East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Rwanda) |
| 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.
Silver-striped Hawk Moth
A medium-sized hawk moth with olive-brown forewings and bright pink hindwings, featuring silver stripes along the body. It is a powerful migrant found throughout the tropics.
Did You Know?
Its caterpillars have prominent eyespots that make them look like small snakes to deter predators.