Japanese Luehdorfia vs Frangipani Hawk Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Japanese Luehdorfia Frangipani Hawk Moth
Scientific Name Luehdorfia japonica Pseudosphinx tetrio
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Papilionidae Sphingidae
Size 45-55 mm wingspan 100-140 mm
Habitat Woodlands Beaches & Coastal
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Japan (Honshu) Southern United States, Caribbean, Central America, South America
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Japanese Luehdorfia

A rare spring-flying swallowtail butterfly endemic to Japan. Named 'spring goddess' in Japanese. Has declined severely due to habitat loss and deer browsing on its food plants.

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Did You Know?

Called 'gifu-cho' (Gifu butterfly) in Japanese and considered a symbol of spring in Japanese culture.

Frangipani Hawk Moth

A large gray hawk moth whose larvae are among the most spectacular caterpillars in the world, with bold black and yellow banding and a bright red head. It is common throughout the tropics.

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Did You Know?

The frangipani caterpillar's vivid warning coloration and ability to sequester toxic alkaloids from its host plant make it one of the most conspicuous and well-defended caterpillars in the Americas.