Cabbage Moth vs Japanese Spicebush Swallowtail
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cabbage Moth | Japanese Spicebush Swallowtail |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Mamestra brassicae | Papilio protenor |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Noctuidae | Papilionidae |
| Size | Wingspan 34-50mm | 80-120 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Farmland | Gardens |
| Diet | Herbivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | East Asia, Japan/Korea |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Cabbage Moth
A mottled grey-brown moth with kidney-shaped and circular stigmata on the forewings. Its caterpillar is a serious pest of brassica crops worldwide.
Did You Know?
A single caterpillar can bore deep into a cabbage head contaminating it with frass and making it unmarketable.
Japanese Spicebush Swallowtail
A striking all-black swallowtail known as 'kuro-ageha' in Japanese. The hindwings have subtle red and blue markings. Common in wooded areas and gardens across Japan and Korea.
Did You Know?
The caterpillars of this species have a remarkable snake-mimicry defense, with large eyespots on their thorax that resemble a snake's head.