Japanese Swallowtail vs Lesser Earwig
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Japanese Swallowtail | Lesser Earwig |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Papilio xuthus | Labia minor |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Dermaptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Spongiphoridae |
| Size | Wingspan 70-90 mm | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Gardens |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan | Europe, North America, 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.
Did You Know?
Its caterpillars have a forked osmeterium that emits a foul smell to deter birds and wasps.
Lesser Earwig
The smallest European earwig and one of the few that readily flies. It is often found in compost heaps and manure piles where it feeds on fly larvae.
Did You Know?
Despite its tiny size, this earwig is one of the best fliers in the order and is regularly attracted to artificial lights.