Zebra longwing vs Zebra swallowtail
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a zebra longwing from a zebra swallowtail, and whether either one bites or stings.
Zebra longwing
Heliconius charithonia
Zebra swallowtail
Protographium marcellus
≠The key differences
Also black-and-white striped, but has broad, triangular wings with long hindwing tails and pale greenish-white rather than yellow stripes.
Also black-and-white striped, but has long, narrow wings without tails and yellow rather than pale greenish-white stripes; found mainly in Florida and southern Texas.
⚖︎Side by side
| Zebra longwing | Zebra swallowtail | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Harmless to people | Non-toxic |
| Size | 7-10 cm wingspan | 6-10 cm wingspan |
| Colours | Black, Yellow, Cream, Green (chrysalis) | White, Black, Yellow/cream, Blue, Red-orange |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Papilionidae |
| Habitat | Open woodlands, forest edges, hedgerows, gardens and areas where passionflower vines grow. | Moist woodlands, riverbanks, forest edges, pawpaw thickets, and gardens in eastern North America |
| Range | Southern United States (Florida, southern Texas; strays farther north), the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America south to northern South America. | Eastern North America from southern Ontario (rare) through much of the eastern United States south to Florida and the Gulf states |
| Active | Year-round in tropical regions; in subtropical/temperate parts of its range mainly spring to fall. Active during daylight, especially mid-morning to late afternoon. | Spring through summer; multiple broods in the south (March-September), fewer in the north (May-August); diurnal |
| Pest? | No | No |
🔍How to spot a zebra longwing
- Long, narrow wings with multiple narrow yellow or cream lengthwise stripes on a black background.
- Wingspan around 7-10 cm and a slender body compared with many other nymphalids.
- Caterpillars white with black spots and black spines; look for them on passionflower vines.
- Roosting in small to large communal groups at dusk is characteristic behavior.
🔍How to spot a zebra swallowtail
- Bold black zebra-like stripes on creamy white wings with long tail extensions on the hindwings
- Red spots near the hindwing tail and a red stripe across the underside of the hindwing
- Caterpillars: green with fine yellow and black bands, found on pawpaw
- Habitat association with pawpaw plants (Asimina) is a strong clue
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a zebra longwing and a zebra swallowtail?
Also black-and-white striped, but has broad, triangular wings with long hindwing tails and pale greenish-white rather than yellow stripes. Also black-and-white striped, but has long, narrow wings without tails and yellow rather than pale greenish-white stripes; found mainly in Florida and southern Texas.
Is a zebra longwing or a zebra swallowtail more dangerous?
Zebra longwing: Harmless to people. Zebra swallowtail: Non-toxic. Adults and caterpillars are not dangerous to people. Adults and caterpillars are not dangerous to people.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.