Emerald Swallowtail vs Queen Alexandra's Birdwing Caterpillar
How does the Emerald Swallowtail compare to the Queen Alexandra's Birdwing Caterpillar? 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 palinurus
- Ornithoptera alexandrae
- Classification
- Invertebrate
- Invertebrate
- Family
- Papilionidae
- Papilionidae
- Habitat
- Tropical rainforest
- Lowland rainforest
- Diet
- Herbivore
- Herbivore
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
- Endangered
- Lifespan
- 6-12 months
- 2-3 months (larval stage)
- Weight
- 0.5-1.0 grams
- Up to 8 grams
Emerald Swallowtail vs Queen Alexandra's Birdwing Caterpillar: who would win?

Emerald Swallowtail
0.5-1.0 grams

Queen Alexandra's Birdwing Caterpillar
Up to 8 grams
Queen Alexandra's Birdwing Caterpillar wins high confidence
Queen Alexandra's Birdwing Caterpillar is substantially heavier (Up to 8 grams vs 0.5-1.0 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.
Differences
- Habitat: Tropical rainforest vs Lowland rainforest.
- Conservation: Least Concern vs Endangered.
- Weight: 0.5-1.0 grams vs Up to 8 grams.
Emerald Swallowtail vs Queen Alexandra's Birdwing Caterpillar: FAQ
Who would win in a fight, a Emerald Swallowtail or a Queen Alexandra's Birdwing Caterpillar?
Queen Alexandra's Birdwing Caterpillar wins. Queen Alexandra's Birdwing Caterpillar is substantially heavier (Up to 8 grams vs 0.5-1.0 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 Emerald Swallowtail and a Queen Alexandra's Birdwing Caterpillar?
Emerald Swallowtail and Queen Alexandra's Birdwing Caterpillar differ in several ways — habitat: tropical rainforest vs lowland rainforest. conservation: least concern vs endangered. weight: 0.5-1.0 grams vs up to 8 grams.
Do Emerald Swallowtail and Queen Alexandra's Birdwing Caterpillar live in the same habitat?
No — Emerald Swallowtail lives in tropical rainforest, while Queen Alexandra's Birdwing Caterpillar is found in lowland rainforest.
What do Emerald Swallowtail and Queen Alexandra's Birdwing Caterpillar eat?
Both Emerald Swallowtail and Queen Alexandra's Birdwing Caterpillar have a herbivore diet.
Which is more endangered, the Emerald Swallowtail or the Queen Alexandra's Birdwing Caterpillar?
Emerald Swallowtail is listed as Least Concern, while Queen Alexandra's Birdwing Caterpillar is listed as Endangered.
How big are Emerald Swallowtail and Queen Alexandra's Birdwing Caterpillar?
Emerald Swallowtail weighs around 0.5-1.0 grams, while Queen Alexandra's Birdwing Caterpillar weighs around Up to 8 grams.

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Emerald Swallowtail

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Queen Alexandra's Birdwing Caterpillar



