Robust Cicada vs Giant Swallowtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Robust Cicada Giant Swallowtail
Scientific Name Meimuna opalifera Papilio cresphontes
Order Hemiptera Lepidoptera
Family Cicadidae Papilionidae
Size 30-35 mm 100-160 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Sap Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Japan, China, Taiwan North America, Central America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Robust Cicada

A common East Asian cicada known as 'tsukutsuku-boshi' in Japan. Its rhythmic song marks the end of summer in Japanese culture.

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Did You Know?

Its song has a distinctive rhythmic pattern that Japanese people interpret as saying 'tsukutsuku-boshi' repeatedly.

Giant Swallowtail

The largest butterfly in North America with dark brown wings crossed by yellow bands. Larvae resemble bird droppings for camouflage.

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Did You Know?

Its caterpillars are called Orange Dogs because they can be pests in citrus orchards.