About Japanese Comma Butterfly
Known as 'erutateha' in Japanese, a large nymphalid butterfly with deeply scalloped wing edges. The undersides provide excellent bark camouflage. Adults overwinter and can be seen flying on warm winter days.
Did You Know?
This butterfly hibernates through winter as an adult and can sometimes be seen flying on unusually warm days in January and February in Japan.
How to Identify Japanese Comma Butterfly
Japanese Comma Butterfly (Nymphalis vaualbum) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Nymphalidae. Adults typically measure 55-65 mm wingspan.
Japanese Comma Butterfly Habitat
Japanese Comma Butterfly is found in mountains habitats, particularly across East Asia, Japan/Korea. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Japanese Comma Butterfly Diet and Feeding
Japanese Comma Butterfly feeds on plant sap by piercing stems and leaves with specialised mouthparts. Sap feeders extract nutrients directly from the plant's vascular system.
Where Is Japanese Comma Butterfly Found?
Japanese Comma Butterfly can be found in East Asia, Japan/Korea, where it inhabits mountains environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Japanese Comma Butterfly can be found
Is Japanese Comma Butterfly Dangerous?
Japanese Comma Butterfly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Japanese Comma Butterfly Role in Nature
Japanese Comma Butterfly is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Japanese Comma Butterfly
What does Japanese Comma Butterfly look like?
The Japanese Comma Butterfly typically measures 55-65 mm wingspan.
Where is Japanese Comma Butterfly found?
The Japanese Comma Butterfly is found in East Asia, Japan/Korea and typically inhabits mountains environments.
What does Japanese Comma Butterfly eat?
The Japanese Comma Butterfly feeds on plant sap by piercing stems and leaves.
Is Japanese Comma Butterfly dangerous to humans?
The Japanese Comma Butterfly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Japanese Comma Butterfly?
This butterfly hibernates through winter as an adult and can sometimes be seen flying on unusually warm days in January and February in Japan.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Japanese Comma Butterfly (Nymphalis vaualbum). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/japanese-comma-butterfly
MLA:
"Japanese Comma Butterfly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/japanese-comma-butterfly.