Japanese Yellow Swallowtail vs High Brown Fritillary

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Japanese Yellow Swallowtail High Brown Fritillary
Scientific Name Papilio machaon hippocrates Fabriciana adippe
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Papilionidae Nymphalidae
Size 70-90 mm wingspan 55-65 mm wingspan
Habitat Mountains Grasslands
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions East Asia, Japan Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe
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.

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Did You Know?

This butterfly engages in 'hilltopping' behavior, where males fly to hilltops and ridges to establish territories and wait for females.

High Brown Fritillary

A large, fast-flying fritillary with rich tawny-orange wings and a complex pattern of silver spots beneath. It is one of Europe's most rapidly declining butterflies.

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Did You Know?

In Britain it is the country's most endangered butterfly, having lost over 80% of its colonies.