About 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.
How to Identify Japanese Spicebush Swallowtail
Japanese Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio protenor) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Papilionidae. Adults typically measure 80-120 mm wingspan.
Japanese Spicebush Swallowtail Habitat
Japanese Spicebush Swallowtail is found in gardens 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 Spicebush Swallowtail Diet and Feeding
Japanese Spicebush Swallowtail feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.
Where Is Japanese Spicebush Swallowtail Found?
Japanese Spicebush Swallowtail can be found in East Asia, Japan/Korea, where it inhabits gardens environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Japanese Spicebush Swallowtail can be found
Is Japanese Spicebush Swallowtail Dangerous?
Japanese Spicebush Swallowtail 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 Spicebush Swallowtail Role in Nature
Japanese Spicebush Swallowtail plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Japanese Spicebush Swallowtail
What does Japanese Spicebush Swallowtail look like?
The Japanese Spicebush Swallowtail typically measures 80-120 mm wingspan.
Where is Japanese Spicebush Swallowtail found?
The Japanese Spicebush Swallowtail is found in East Asia, Japan/Korea and typically inhabits gardens environments.
What does Japanese Spicebush Swallowtail eat?
The Japanese Spicebush Swallowtail feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is Japanese Spicebush Swallowtail dangerous to humans?
The Japanese Spicebush Swallowtail is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Japanese Spicebush Swallowtail?
The caterpillars of this species have a remarkable snake-mimicry defense, with large eyespots on their thorax that resemble a snake's head.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Japanese Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio protenor). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/japanese-spicebush-swallowtail
MLA:
"Japanese Spicebush Swallowtail." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/japanese-spicebush-swallowtail.