Magellan Birdwing vs Japanese Oakblue

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Magellan Birdwing Japanese Oakblue
Scientific Name Troides magellanus Arhopala japonica
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Papilionidae Lycaenidae
Size Wingspan 160-200 mm 30-40 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Philippines, Taiwan East Asia, Japan
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Magellan Birdwing

A large Philippine birdwing with black forewings and vibrant golden hindwings. It is endemic to the Philippines and parts of Taiwan.

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Did You Know?

It is the largest butterfly found in the Philippines and is protected under Philippine law.

Japanese Oakblue

A beautiful lycaenid butterfly with brilliant metallic blue upperwings and cryptic brown underwings. Found in oak forests where its larvae live in association with ants. Known as 'murasaki-shijimi.'

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Did You Know?

The caterpillars produce sweet secretions that attract ants, which then guard them from predators in a mutualistic relationship.