Japanese Spicebush Swallowtail vs Grass Webworm Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Japanese Spicebush Swallowtail Grass Webworm Moth
Scientific Name Papilio protenor Herpetogramma licarsisalis
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Papilionidae Crambidae
Size 80-120 mm wingspan 20-26 mm wingspan
Habitat Gardens Grasslands
Diet Nectar Feeders Omnivores
Regions East Asia, Japan/Korea Southeast Asia, Oceania, Africa, South America
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.

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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.

Grass Webworm Moth

A small brownish moth with faint wavy lines across the forewings. Its larvae spin silk webs over grass and can cause serious damage to tropical lawns and pastures.

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Did You Know?

Larvae create silken tunnels at the base of grass stems where they hide during the day.