Japanese Swallowtail vs Clara's Satin Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Japanese Swallowtail Clara's Satin Moth
Scientific Name Papilio xuthus Thalaina clara
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Papilionidae Geometridae
Size Wingspan 70-90 mm 40-50 mm wingspan
Habitat Gardens Woodlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan Eastern Australia, Tasmania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

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Did You Know?

Its caterpillars have a forked osmeterium that emits a foul smell to deter birds and wasps.

Clara's Satin Moth

An Australian moth with satiny white wings marked with orange bands. Found in eastern Australia and Tasmania. Caterpillars feed on acacia foliage.

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Did You Know?

The satiny sheen of the wings gives this moth an almost luminous quality when seen in Australian bush at night.