Giant Blue Swallowtail vs Privet Hawk-moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Giant Blue Swallowtail | Privet Hawk-moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Papilio zalmoxis | Sphinx ligustri |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 140-170 mm wingspan | 90-120 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Woodlands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | West and Central Africa (Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, DRC, Ghana) | Europe, western Asia |
| 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.
Privet Hawk-moth
Britain's largest resident moth, with a massive body bearing pink and black abdominal stripes. Its horn-tipped caterpillar is bright green with purple and white diagonal stripes.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar performs a sphinx-like pose when disturbed, which gave the Sphingidae family its name.