Japanese Luehdorfia vs Golden-headed Micropterix

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Japanese Luehdorfia Golden-headed Micropterix
Scientific Name Luehdorfia japonica Micropterix aruncella
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Papilionidae Micropterigidae
Size 45-55 mm wingspan 7-9 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Wetlands
Diet Herbivores Pollen Feeders
Regions Japan (Honshu) Europe
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Japanese Luehdorfia

A rare spring-flying swallowtail butterfly endemic to Japan. Named 'spring goddess' in Japanese. Has declined severely due to habitat loss and deer browsing on its food plants.

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Did You Know?

Called 'gifu-cho' (Gifu butterfly) in Japanese and considered a symbol of spring in Japanese culture.

Golden-headed Micropterix

A tiny, metallic-headed moth that is among the most primitive living Lepidoptera. Adults have functional jaws instead of a proboscis and feed on pollen. A living fossil.

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Did You Know?

Retains functional chewing jaws like its ancient ancestors, predating the evolution of the typical butterfly proboscis by millions of years.