Japan’s only migratory butterfly “Asagimadara” appears in the Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden (Nada-ku, Kobe) with the arrival of autumn.

At the Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden (Nada-ku, Kobe) on Mt. Rokko, the migratory butterfly “Asagimadara,” which brings autumn with it, has made its appearance. The arrival of the butterfly is about 10 days earlier than usual.

The Asagimadara is known as the only Japanese butterfly that migrates seasonally, traveling long distances from Honshu to the Nansei Islands. Marking surveys have recorded them traveling as far as 1,500 km in a straight line, and their graceful fluttering of wings in search of the nectar of the Fuji bakamama has become a popular sight, and many people enjoy taking pictures of them.

The Asagimadara (family Tachinidae) is a pretty butterfly with a forewing length of 40 to 60 mm. Its name “asagi” is an old name for blue-green, derived from the light blue color of its wings. The larva feeds on the leaves of the “kijoran” and other Asagi species. The hind wings of the male have a blackish-brown sexual marker, which is not present on the female, to distinguish the male from the female.

They often feed on Asteraceae plants such as Asteraceae, and can be seen until the end of September in most years.

Fujibakakama (Asteraceae)
is one of the seven plants of autumn and is known as “wisteria hakama,” the seasonal word for autumn. It has been popular in Japan since ancient times, but after World War II, development of its habitat reduced its numbers, and it is now in danger of extinction. The plant used to grow wild on Mt. Rokko, but it is now rarely seen.

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Japan’s only “migratory butterfly,” not a migratory bird, has arrived at the Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden! The beautiful colors of the butterflies are sure to catch your eyes.

Detailed information

Viewing Period

Until September 30, 2024

Place

Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden
(4512-150 Kita-Rokko, Rokkosan-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe)
Google Map

Opening hours

10:00 – 17:00 (Registration closes at 16:30)

Admission Fee

Adults (junior high school students and older) 900 yen
Children (4 years old to elementary school students) 450 yen

Tel.

078-891-1247

• Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden official website https://www.rokkosan.com/hana/