Sycamore Moth vs Japanese Yellow Swallowtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sycamore Moth Japanese Yellow Swallowtail
Scientific Name Acronicta aceris Papilio machaon hippocrates
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Noctuidae Papilionidae
Size Wingspan 35-45mm 70-90 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Mountains
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia East Asia, Japan
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Sycamore Moth

A plain grey moth whose caterpillar is spectacular with white tufts and bright orange and yellow hair patches.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillar is one of the most colorful in Europe with dense white hairs and bright orange-yellow tufts.

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.