Japanese Dobsonfly vs Malabar Banded Peacock
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Japanese Dobsonfly | Malabar Banded Peacock |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Protohermes grandis | Papilio buddha |
| Order | Megaloptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Corydalidae | Papilionidae |
| Size | 40-60 mm body length | 90-120 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Predators | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | East Asia, Japan | South Asia (India, endemic to the Western Ghats) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Japanese Dobsonfly
A large aquatic insect known as 'hebi-tonbo' (snake dragonfly) in Japanese. The adult males have elongated, curved mandibles. Larvae called 'magotaro-mushi' are used as fishing bait.
Did You Know?
Dobsonfly larvae are prized as live fishing bait in Japan and are collected from stream rocks by anglers targeting ayu (sweetfish).
Malabar Banded Peacock
A striking swallowtail endemic to the Western Ghats with broad green bands across dark wings. Males congregate at mud puddles and stream banks in large numbers during the monsoon season.
Did You Know?
This is the state butterfly of Kerala and is found exclusively in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot.