Ulysses Butterfly vs Lesser Yellow Underwing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Ulysses Butterfly Lesser Yellow Underwing
Scientific Name Papilio ulysses Noctua comes
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Papilionidae Noctuidae
Size 10-14 cm wingspan 40-46 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Gardens
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions Australia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Ulysses Butterfly

A large swallowtail with electric blue uppersides and cryptic brown undersides. It is an iconic symbol of tropical north Queensland tourism.

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Did You Know?

Males are strongly attracted to anything bright blue, including clothing and car paint.

Lesser Yellow Underwing

Similar to the Large Yellow Underwing but smaller with more orange-yellow hindwings. Very common in gardens and attracted to light. Larvae feed on many herbaceous plants.

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Did You Know?

Together with its larger relative, forms one of the most abundant moth species partnerships in garden moth traps.