Japanese Common Swallowtail
Common NameJapanese Common Swallowtail
Scientific NamePapilio xuthus
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)60
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsyellow, black, blue, orange
HabitatGardens, parks, urban areas, open woodlands, agricultural fields
Geographic RangeEast Asia (Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan, Russian Far East)
Host PlantsCitrus spp., Phellodendron amurense, Zanthoxylum ailanthoides, Ruta graveolens
Flight PeriodApril to October (multiple broods)
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are initially bird-dropping mimics, later turning green with false eyespots. Pupae are typically green or brown, resembling a twig, and overwinter in colder regions.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive yellow and black striped pattern, especially the broad black band on the forewing. The hindwings have a prominent orange eyespot with a black center and blue scaling along the submarginal band, along with characteristic tails.
Description
A medium-sized swallowtail butterfly with bright yellow wings marked by prominent black stripes and spots. The hindwings feature a scalloped edge with blue patches and an orange eyespot near the tail.
