Japanese Comma Butterfly vs Japanese Yellow Swallowtail
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Japanese Comma Butterfly | Japanese Yellow Swallowtail |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nymphalis vaualbum | Papilio machaon hippocrates |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Papilionidae |
| Size | 55-65 mm wingspan | 70-90 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Mountains | Mountains |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | East Asia, Japan/Korea | East Asia, Japan |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Japanese Comma Butterfly
Known as 'erutateha' in Japanese, a large nymphalid butterfly with deeply scalloped wing edges. The undersides provide excellent bark camouflage. Adults overwinter and can be seen flying on warm winter days.
Did You Know?
This butterfly hibernates through winter as an adult and can sometimes be seen flying on unusually warm days in January and February in Japan.
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.