Japanese Yellow Swallowtail vs Greater Bee Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Japanese Yellow Swallowtail | Greater Bee Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Papilio machaon hippocrates | Bombylius canescens |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Bombyliidae |
| Size | 70-90 mm wingspan | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | East Asia, Japan | Southern Europe, North Africa, Western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Japanese Yellow Swallowtail
The Japanese subspecies of the Old World swallowtail, known as 'ki-ageha.' A large and elegant butterfly with bright yellow wings marked with black patterns and blue hindwing spots.
Did You Know?
This butterfly engages in 'hilltopping' behavior, where males fly to hilltops and ridges to establish territories and wait for females.
Greater Bee Fly
A pale greyish bee fly with a long proboscis and clear wings. It parasitizes ground-nesting bees in arid Mediterranean habitats.
Did You Know?
It can hover motionless in the air for extended periods while probing flowers with its rigid proboscis.