Butterflies in Japan
Over 300 species of butterfly live in Japan. This is because, despite the nation’s small size, it displays a variety of climates and habitats, which allows several of these lepidoptera to survive. Notable species include the Painted lady, the Asian Swallowtail, and the Japanese Flash.
Butterflies in Japan
List of Different Butterfly Species of Japan
Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae)
- Common Leopard (Phalanta phalantha)
- Common Yeoman (Cirrochroa tyche)
- Compton Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis vaualbum)
- Danaid Eggfly (Hypolimnas misippus)
- Dingy Bush-brown (Mycalesis perseus)
- Honshu White Admiral (Limenitis glorifica)
- Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)
- Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
- Peacock (Aglais io)
- Small Leopard (Phalanta alcippe)
- Swinhoe’s Chocolate Tiger (Parantica swinhoei)
- Yellow Pansy (Junonia hierta)
- Boloria iphigenia
- Erebia niphonica
- Fabriciana nerippe
- Hestina japonica
- Kirinia fentoni
- Lethe marginalis
- Lethe sicelis
- Melanargia epimede
- Melitaea protomedia
- Melitaea scotosia
- Neope goschkevitschii
- Neptis alwina
- Polyura narcaea
- Ypthima masakii
- Ypthima riukiuana
- Ypthima yayeyamana
- Zophoessa callipteris
- Argynnis laodice japonica
- Boloria thore jezoensis
- Fabriciana adippe pallescens
- Speyeria aglaja basalis
- Sasakia charonda charonda
Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae)
- Dark Grass Blue (Zizeeria karsandra)
- Dark Himalayan Oakblue (Arhopala rama)
- Forest Quaker (Pithecops corvus)
- Gram Blue (Euchrysops cnejus)
- Green Flash (Artipe eryx)
- Japanese Flash (Rapala arata)
- Japanese Oakblue (Arhopala japonica)
- Jeweled Grass-blue (Freyeria putli)
- Long-tailed Blue (Lampides boeticus)
- Plains Cupid (Luthrodes pandava)
- Plumbago Blue (Leptotes plinius)
- Quaker (Neopithecops zalmora)
- Celastrina lavendularis himilcon
- Celastrina ogasawaraensis
- Celastrina sugitanii
- Coreana raphaelis
- Famegana alsulus
- Favonius cognatus
- Favonius jezoensis
- Favonius orientalis
- Favonius yuasai
- Fixsenia iyonis
- Fixsenia mera
- Fixsenia w-album
- Luthrodes mindora
- Plebejus subsolanus
- Shijimiaeoides divina
- Ussuriana stygiana
- Wagimo signatus
- Zizula hylax
Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae)
- Gray-veined White (Pieris melete)
- Orange Migrant (Catopsilia scylla)
- Striped Albatross (Appias libythea)
- Yellow Orange Tip (Ixias pyrene)
- Eurema mandarina
- Pieris tomariana
- Aporia crataegi adherbal
Swallowtail (Papilionidae)
- Alpine Black Swallowtail (Papilio maackii)
- Asian Swallowtail (Papilio xuthus)
- Common Mormon (Papilio polytes)
- Common Raven (Papilio castor)
- Dragon Swallowtail (Sericinus montela)
- Green-spotted Triangle (Graphium agamemnon)
- Japanese Luehdorfia (Luehdorfia japonica)
- Okinawa Peacock (Papilio okinawensis)
- Scarlet Mormon (Papilio rumanzovius)
- Graphium mullah
- Graphium doson albidum
- Parnassius eversmanni daisetsuzanus
Skipper (Hesperiidae)
- Colon Swift (Caltoris cahira)
- Grass Demon (Udaspes folus)
- Indian Palm Bob (Suastus gremius)
- Northern Chequered Skipper (Carterocephalus silvicola)
- Rice Swift (Borbo cinnara)
- Rounded Palm-redeye (Erionota torus)
- Badamia exclamationis
- Leptalina unicolor)
- Ochlodes ochracea
- Parnara ogasawarensis
- Pelopidas jansonis
- Thoressa varia
- Thymelicus leonina
Some of the best places to see butterflies in Japan include Ryugujo Butterfly Garden, Ranzan Butterfly Park, and Kamikochi National Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Japan have so many different butterfly species?
Japan is home to over 300 butterfly species primarily because of its diverse range of climates and habitats. Despite its small size, the nation’s geography spans from subtropical to cool-temperate zones, which supports a wide variety of plant life and allows numerous distinct lepidoptera species to thrive.
How many species of butterflies are found in Japan?
There are over 300 species of butterflies recorded in Japan. This high number reflects the country’s significant ecological diversity, with varied habitats across its archipelago supporting a rich and specialized butterfly population. This includes endemic species not found elsewhere as well as more widespread varieties like the Painted Lady.
What are some common Brush-Footed butterflies in Japan?
Common Brush-Footed butterflies (Nymphalidae) in Japan include the Painted Lady, Peacock, and Common Leopard. This family is characterized by its members’ reduced front legs, which are not used for walking. The Honshu White Admiral and Compton Tortoiseshell are other examples found within Japan’s diverse ecosystems.
Is the Painted Lady butterfly native to Japan?
Yes, the Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) is found in Japan and is listed among its notable species. This butterfly is part of the Brush-Footed family and is known for its incredible migratory range. Its presence in Japan is part of its nearly worldwide distribution across various climates and continents.
What is the Japanese Flash butterfly?
The Japanese Flash (Rapala arata) is a species of Gossamer-Winged butterfly from the Lycaenidae family. It is a small to medium-sized butterfly native to the region and is recognized for its distinct wing patterns and coloration. This species is a specific example of Japan’s unique lepidopteran fauna.
Which butterfly family does the Japanese Oakblue belong to?
The Japanese Oakblue (Arhopala japonica) belongs to the Gossamer-Winged butterfly family, scientifically known as Lycaenidae. This family typically includes smaller butterflies, often with iridescent or brightly colored wings. The Japanese Oakblue is one of many Lycaenidae species that inhabit the woodlands and forests of Japan.
Are there unique admiral butterflies in Japan?
Yes, Japan is home to unique admiral butterflies, such as the Honshu White Admiral (Limenitis glorifica). This species is a member of the Nymphalidae family and is a distinct example of the specialized butterfly fauna found within the specific habitats of Japan’s main island, Honshu.
