Giant Blue Swallowtail vs August Thorn

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Blue Swallowtail August Thorn
Scientific Name Papilio zalmoxis Ennomos quercinaria
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Papilionidae Geometridae
Size 140-170 mm wingspan 32-38 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions West and Central Africa (Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, DRC, Ghana) Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Giant Blue Swallowtail

One of the largest and most spectacular butterflies in Africa, with a wingspan exceeding 150 mm. The wings are brilliant pale blue with dark margins. It is a powerful flier that inhabits the canopy of primary rainforests.

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Did You Know?

This magnificent butterfly rarely descends below 20 meters, spending most of its life soaring through the forest canopy.

August Thorn

A thorn moth flying in late summer with warm yellow-brown wings. Rests with wings spread flat. Larvae feed on oak and other deciduous trees.

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Did You Know?

The angular wing shape and brown coloring give it a remarkable resemblance to a dry autumn leaf.