Trash-carrying Lacewing vs Giant Swallowtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Trash-carrying Lacewing Giant Swallowtail
Scientific Name Chrysopa nigricornis Papilio cresphontes
Order Neuroptera Lepidoptera
Family Chrysopidae Papilionidae
Size 16-24 mm wingspan 100-160 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Predators Nectar Feeders
Regions North America North America, Central America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Trash-carrying Lacewing

A North American green lacewing with dark antennae. Its larvae camouflage themselves by piling debris on their backs.

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Did You Know?

Larvae stack the remains of consumed prey on their backs as both camouflage and defense.

Giant Swallowtail

The largest butterfly in North America with dark brown wings crossed by yellow bands. Larvae resemble bird droppings for camouflage.

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Did You Know?

Its caterpillars are called Orange Dogs because they can be pests in citrus orchards.