Homerus Swallowtail vs Japanese Yellow Swallowtail
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Homerus Swallowtail | Japanese Yellow Swallowtail |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Papilio homerus | Papilio machaon hippocrates |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Papilionidae |
| Size | 130-150 mm wingspan | 70-90 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Mountains | Mountains |
| Diet | Omnivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Jamaica (Blue Mountains and John Crow Mountains only) | East Asia, Japan |
| Conservation | Endangered | Least Concern |
Homerus Swallowtail
The largest butterfly in the Americas, with a wingspan reaching 150 mm and bold black and yellow patterning. It is endemic to Jamaica and restricted to two mountain ranges.
Did You Know?
Fewer than an estimated 500 adults exist in the wild, confined to shrinking patches of Jamaican mountain forest.
Japanese Yellow Swallowtail
The Japanese subspecies of the Old World swallowtail, known as 'ki-ageha.' A large and elegant butterfly with bright yellow wings marked with black patterns and blue hindwing spots.
Did You Know?
This butterfly engages in 'hilltopping' behavior, where males fly to hilltops and ridges to establish territories and wait for females.