Large Square-headed Wasp vs Common Rose Swallowtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Large Square-headed Wasp Common Rose Swallowtail
Scientific Name Ectemnius cephalotes Pachliopta aristolochiae
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Crabronidae Papilionidae
Size 12-18 mm Wingspan 80-110 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Wood Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe India, Sri Lanka, China, Southeast Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Large Square-headed Wasp

A large solitary wasp that nests in dead wood and provisions its nest with captured flies. Has a distinctively large, square-shaped head. Common in gardens and woodland.

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Did You Know?

Nests in old beetle holes in dead wood, stocking each cell with paralyzed flies for its developing larvae.

Common Rose Swallowtail

A striking black and crimson swallowtail butterfly common across South and Southeast Asia. Its body contains toxins sequestered from Aristolochia host plants.

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Did You Know?

Several non-toxic butterfly species mimic its bold red and black warning colors to avoid predators.