Dun-bar vs Japanese Yellow Swallowtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dun-bar Japanese Yellow Swallowtail
Scientific Name Cosmia trapezina Papilio machaon hippocrates
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Noctuidae Papilionidae
Size 28-34 mm wingspan 70-90 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Mountains
Diet Predators Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia East Asia, Japan
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Dun-bar

A late summer noctuid moth whose caterpillars are partly predatory, eating other moth larvae sharing their tree. Variable brown coloration with a distinctive pale bar.

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Did You Know?

Caterpillars are cannibalistic and predatory, readily consuming other moth larvae they encounter on leaves.

Japanese Yellow Swallowtail

The Japanese subspecies of the Old World swallowtail, known as 'ki-ageha.' A large and elegant butterfly with bright yellow wings marked with black patterns and blue hindwing spots.

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Did You Know?

This butterfly engages in 'hilltopping' behavior, where males fly to hilltops and ridges to establish territories and wait for females.