Japanese Swallowtail vs American Bumble Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Japanese Swallowtail | American Bumble Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Papilio xuthus | Bombus pensylvanicus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Apidae |
| Size | Wingspan 70-90 mm | 15-25 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Farmland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan | Eastern and central United States, now declining across its range |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
Japanese Swallowtail
A common Asian swallowtail with pale yellow wings striped with black tiger-like bands. It is one of the most frequently seen butterflies in Japanese gardens.
Did You Know?
Its caterpillars have a forked osmeterium that emits a foul smell to deter birds and wasps.
American Bumble Bee
A large bumble bee with a yellow thorax, black band between the wings, and a mostly yellow abdomen. Once one of the most common bumble bees in North America, it has experienced significant population declines.
Did You Know?
Its populations have declined by nearly 90 percent in some regions, prompting conservation concern across its entire range.