Sage Leafhopper vs Scarce Swallowtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sage Leafhopper Scarce Swallowtail
Scientific Name Eupteryx melissae Iphiclides podalirius
Order Hemiptera Lepidoptera
Family Cicadellidae Papilionidae
Size 3-3.5 mm Wingspan 64-84mm
Habitat Gardens Heathland
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Sage Leafhopper

A small, attractively marked leafhopper found on sage and other labiates in gardens. Feeding causes pale stippling on leaves. Originally Mediterranean but expanding northward.

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Did You Know?

Has expanded its range significantly northward in Europe, likely benefiting from climate change and herb gardening.

Scarce Swallowtail

A pale yellow swallowtail butterfly with bold black tiger stripes and long tailed hindwings tipped with blue. It soars elegantly on updrafts.

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Did You Know?

Males gather in large numbers at hilltops in a behavior called hilltopping to increase their chances of finding mates.