Javanese Leaf Insect vs Japanese Clouded Yellow

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Javanese Leaf Insect Japanese Clouded Yellow
Scientific Name Phyllium bioculatum Colias erate
Order Phasmatodea Lepidoptera
Family Phylliidae Pieridae
Size 60-90 mm 40-50 mm wingspan
Habitat Grasslands Grasslands
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Asia East Asia, Japan/Korea
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Javanese Leaf Insect

A remarkable leaf mimic with a broad, flat green body, complete with realistic leaf veins, midrib, and even fake bite marks. It is the most well-known leaf insect species.

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Did You Know?

Even the walking motion of leaf insects mimics a leaf tumbling in the wind, with each step accompanied by a gentle rocking of the body.

Japanese Clouded Yellow

Known as 'monjiro-cho' in Japanese, a common yellow butterfly found in open grasslands. Males are bright yellow while females may be white or yellow. A familiar sight in Japanese fields.

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Did You Know?

This butterfly is so common in Japan that it is one of the first butterflies children learn to identify, and it features in many Japanese children's songs.