Japanese Yellow Swallowtail vs Red-tailed Bumblebee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Japanese Yellow Swallowtail Red-tailed Bumblebee
Scientific Name Papilio machaon hippocrates Bombus lapidarius
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Papilionidae Apidae
Size 70-90 mm wingspan 11-22 mm
Habitat Mountains Grasslands
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions East Asia, Japan Western Europe, Central Europe, Northern 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.

Red-tailed Bumblebee

A jet-black bumblebee with a vivid orange-red tail that is unmistakable in flight. It commonly nests underground in old mouse burrows and stone walls.

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Did You Know?

Its nest name 'lapidarius' means 'of stones' because it often nests beneath rocks and walls.