Golden Emperor vs Japanese Swallowtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Golden Emperor Japanese Swallowtail
Scientific Name Loepa megacore Papilio xuthus
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Saturniidae Papilionidae
Size Wingspan 90-120mm Wingspan 70-90 mm
Habitat Mountains Gardens
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Asia Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Golden Emperor

A bright golden-yellow silk moth with maroon eyespots ringed in black on each wing. It has a fluffy golden body and feathery antennae.

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Did You Know?

Its intense golden color is among the brightest of any moth and is visible even in dim forest light at dusk.

Japanese Swallowtail

A common Asian swallowtail with pale yellow wings striped with black tiger-like bands. It is one of the most frequently seen butterflies in Japanese gardens.

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Did You Know?

Its caterpillars have a forked osmeterium that emits a foul smell to deter birds and wasps.