Baronia Swallowtail vs Larger Elm Leaf Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Baronia Swallowtail Larger Elm Leaf Beetle
Scientific Name Baronia brevicornis Monocesta coryli
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Papilionidae Chrysomelidae
Size 55-70 mm wingspan 12-16 mm
Habitat Forests Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Southwestern Mexico Eastern North America
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Baronia Swallowtail

The most primitive living swallowtail butterfly, restricted to a small area of southwestern Mexico. A true living fossil representing a lineage over 50 million years old.

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Did You Know?

The most primitive living papilionid butterfly, with a lineage stretching back over 50 million years.

Larger Elm Leaf Beetle

A robust, bright yellowish-orange beetle with darker wing tips that feeds on a variety of deciduous trees. When handled, it can release a blistering chemical secretion.

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Did You Know?

Its hemolymph contains cantharidin-like compounds that can cause skin blisters on contact, an unusual defense for a leaf beetle.