Giant Blue Swallowtail vs Brazilian Antlion
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Giant Blue Swallowtail | Brazilian Antlion |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Papilio zalmoxis | Myrmeleon brasiliensis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Neuroptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Myrmeleontidae |
| Size | 140-170 mm wingspan | 50-65 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | West and Central Africa (Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, DRC, Ghana) | Brazil, South America |
| 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.
Did You Know?
This magnificent butterfly rarely descends below 20 meters, spending most of its life soaring through the forest canopy.
Brazilian Antlion
A common South American antlion found in sandy cerrado and caatinga habitats. Its larval pit traps dot the sandy floors of sheltered spots.
Did You Know?
In the Brazilian cerrado, antlion pits are so abundant they have been used to estimate soil disturbance levels.