1.
swallowtail butterfly
A large, colorful butterfly of the family Papilionidae, known for its distinctive tail-like extensions on its hindwings.
アゲハ refers to swallowtail butterflies, one of the most recognizable butterfly families in Japan. The full name is アゲハ蝶, but アゲハ alone is commonly understood.
Writing
Written as アゲハ (katakana, most common), 揚羽 (kanji), or あげは (hiragana).
Common species in japan
- ナミアゲハ: Asian swallowtail (most common, found in gardens)
- キアゲハ: Old World swallowtail
- クロアゲハ: black swallowtail
Cultural note
The 揚羽蝶 pattern (揚羽紋) is a traditional Japanese family crest (家紋) associated with the Taira clan. It remains one of the most popular 家紋 designs.