Black Swallowtail vs Emerald Swallowtail
How does the Black Swallowtail compare to the Emerald Swallowtail? They are both members of the Papilionidae family. Below we put their classification, habitat, diet, size, and conservation status side by side — and settle who would win in a fight.
Side-by-side comparison
- Scientific name
- Papilio polyxenes
- Papilio palinurus
- Classification
- Invertebrate
- Invertebrate
- Family
- Papilionidae
- Papilionidae
- Habitat
- Fields, meadows, gardens, and open areas
- Tropical rainforest
- Diet
- Herbivore
- Herbivore
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
- Least Concern
- Lifespan
- 6-14 days (adult stage); several months total including larval and pupal stages
- 6-12 months
- Weight
- 0.3-0.5 grams
- 0.5-1.0 grams
Black Swallowtail vs Emerald Swallowtail: who would win?
Black Swallowtail
0.3-0.5 grams
Emerald Swallowtail
0.5-1.0 grams
Emerald Swallowtail wins moderate confidence
Emerald Swallowtail is substantially heavier (0.5-1.0 grams vs 0.3-0.5 grams). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
Similarities
- Both are invertebrates.
- Both belong to the Papilionidae family.
- Both have a herbivore diet.
- Both are listed as Least Concern.
Differences
- Habitat: Fields, meadows, gardens, and open areas vs Tropical rainforest.
- Weight: 0.3-0.5 grams vs 0.5-1.0 grams.
Black Swallowtail vs Emerald Swallowtail: FAQ
Who would win in a fight, a Black Swallowtail or a Emerald Swallowtail?
Emerald Swallowtail wins. Emerald Swallowtail is substantially heavier (0.5-1.0 grams vs 0.3-0.5 grams). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
What is the difference between a Black Swallowtail and a Emerald Swallowtail?
Black Swallowtail and Emerald Swallowtail differ in several ways — habitat: fields, meadows, gardens, and open areas vs tropical rainforest. weight: 0.3-0.5 grams vs 0.5-1.0 grams.
Do Black Swallowtail and Emerald Swallowtail live in the same habitat?
No — Black Swallowtail lives in fields, meadows, gardens, and open areas, while Emerald Swallowtail is found in tropical rainforest.
What do Black Swallowtail and Emerald Swallowtail eat?
Both Black Swallowtail and Emerald Swallowtail have a herbivore diet.
Which is more endangered, the Black Swallowtail or the Emerald Swallowtail?
Black Swallowtail is listed as Least Concern, while Emerald Swallowtail is listed as Least Concern.
How big are Black Swallowtail and Emerald Swallowtail?
Black Swallowtail weighs around 0.3-0.5 grams, while Emerald Swallowtail weighs around 0.5-1.0 grams.
Full profile
Black Swallowtail
Full profile
Emerald Swallowtail
