Japanese Swallowtail vs Golden Emperor

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Japanese Swallowtail Golden Emperor
Scientific Name Papilio xuthus Loepa megacore
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Papilionidae Saturniidae
Size Wingspan 70-90 mm Wingspan 90-120mm
Habitat Gardens Mountains
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan Asia
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.

Golden Emperor

A bright golden-yellow silk moth with maroon eyespots ringed in black on each wing. It has a fluffy golden body and feathery antennae.

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Did You Know?

Its intense golden color is among the brightest of any moth and is visible even in dim forest light at dusk.