Japanese Swallowtail vs Franklin's Bumble Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Japanese Swallowtail | Franklin's Bumble Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Papilio xuthus | Bombus franklini |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Apidae |
| Size | Wingspan 70-90 mm | 14-18 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Mountains |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan | Western United States |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Critically Endangered |
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.
Franklin's Bumble Bee
The world's most range-restricted bumble bee, found only in a small area between southern Oregon and northern California. It has not been reliably seen since 2006 and may be extinct.
Did You Know?
Its entire known range spans only about 190 miles north to south, making it the most geographically restricted bumble bee on Earth.