Species information
Scientific name: Papilio bianor junia
Japanese name: ヤエヤマカラスアゲハ
Chinese name: 八重山翠鳳蝶
English name: Yaeyama peacock swallowtail
Origin: Ishigaki, Iriomote
Ecology and description
The Yaeyama peacock swallowtail is a large swallowtail common in the Yaeyama Islands, with a forewing length of 45–80mm. The larvae feed on plants of the citrus family (Rutaceae), and the adults often rest on plants at night.
The Yaeyama population was long referred to as Papilio bianor okinawensis. A 2025 taxonomic revision designated okinawensis as the name of the Okinawa Island population, so the valid name for the Yaeyama population was restored to junia, and a 2026 taxonomic summary follows the same treatment.
References:
Cotton, A. M. (2026). Summary of changes to taxonomy of genus Papilio. Butterflies, 98, 43–51.
Cotton, A. M. (2025). A Neotype and two Lectotype designations in Papilionidae (Lepidoptera). Butterflies, 97, 10–17.
Mushi Navi (ヤエヤマカラスアゲハ)
Field photographs taken during our tours, with observation dates
