Red-tailed Bumblebee vs Japanese Spicebush Swallowtail
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Red-tailed Bumblebee | Japanese Spicebush Swallowtail |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bombus lapidarius | Papilio protenor |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Apidae | Papilionidae |
| Size | 11-22 mm | 80-120 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Gardens |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Western Europe, Central Europe, Northern Europe | East Asia, Japan/Korea |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Did You Know?
Its nest name 'lapidarius' means 'of stones' because it often nests beneath rocks and walls.
Japanese Spicebush Swallowtail
A striking all-black swallowtail known as 'kuro-ageha' in Japanese. The hindwings have subtle red and blue markings. Common in wooded areas and gardens across Japan and Korea.
Did You Know?
The caterpillars of this species have a remarkable snake-mimicry defense, with large eyespots on their thorax that resemble a snake's head.