Richmond Birdwing vs Japanese Moon Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Richmond Birdwing Japanese Moon Moth
Scientific Name Ornithoptera richmondia Actias artemis
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Papilionidae Saturniidae
Size 11-13 cm wingspan Wingspan 80-120 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Nectar Feeders Herbivores
Regions Australia Japan
Conservation Vulnerable Not Evaluated

Richmond Birdwing

A large subtropical birdwing butterfly with green and black males and brown females. It is threatened by habitat loss and a toxic introduced vine.

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Did You Know?

Larvae that accidentally feed on the invasive Dutchman's pipe vine are poisoned and die.

Japanese Moon Moth

A delicate pale green moon moth with elegant hindwing tails found only in Japan. It flies during the brief early summer months in Japanese mountain forests.

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Did You Know?

The Japanese call it "oo-mizuao" meaning "great water-blue," despite its green coloration.