Japanese Spicebush Swallowtail vs Asian Comma Butterfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Japanese Spicebush Swallowtail | Asian Comma Butterfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Papilio protenor | Polygonia c-aureum |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 80-120 mm wingspan | 45-55 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Gardens | Farmland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | East Asia, Japan/Korea | East Asia, Japan/Korea |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Japanese Spicebush Swallowtail
A striking all-black swallowtail known as 'kuro-ageha' in Japanese. The hindwings have subtle red and blue markings. Common in wooded areas and gardens across Japan and Korea.
Did You Know?
The caterpillars of this species have a remarkable snake-mimicry defense, with large eyespots on their thorax that resemble a snake's head.
Asian Comma Butterfly
Known as 'ki-tataha' in Japanese, this butterfly has distinctively jagged wing edges that provide excellent camouflage among dead leaves. A white or silver comma mark on the hindwing underside gives it its name.
Did You Know?
When this butterfly closes its wings, it looks exactly like a dead leaf, providing near-perfect camouflage against predators.