New Zealand Yellow Admiral vs Japanese Yellow Swallowtail
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | New Zealand Yellow Admiral | Japanese Yellow Swallowtail |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Vanessa itea | Papilio machaon hippocrates |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Papilionidae |
| Size | 45-55 mm wingspan | 70-90 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Gardens | Mountains |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand, also Australia) | East Asia, Japan |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
New Zealand Yellow Admiral
A native New Zealand butterfly closely related to the red admiral but featuring prominent yellow-orange patches on its wings. It is widespread across both islands and is a common garden visitor. Adults are strong fliers and may occasionally migrate.
Did You Know?
Yellow admirals are one of the few New Zealand butterflies that occasionally make trans-Tasman crossings between Australia and New Zealand.
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.