Japanese Oakblue vs Paris Peacock

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Japanese Oakblue Paris Peacock
Scientific Name Arhopala japonica Papilio paris
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Lycaenidae Papilionidae
Size 30-40 mm wingspan 90-120 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions East Asia, Japan South and Southeast Asia, southern China
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Japanese Oakblue

A beautiful lycaenid butterfly with brilliant metallic blue upperwings and cryptic brown underwings. Found in oak forests where its larvae live in association with ants. Known as 'murasaki-shijimi.'

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Did You Know?

The caterpillars produce sweet secretions that attract ants, which then guard them from predators in a mutualistic relationship.

Paris Peacock

A magnificent large swallowtail with velvety black wings bearing a large iridescent blue-green patch on each hindwing that changes color with viewing angle. It frequents forest canopies.

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Did You Know?

The shimmering blue-green patch on the hindwing is produced by nanoscale concavities in the wing scales that act like tiny mirrors.