Cairns Birdwing
Image: Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net). (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameCairns Birdwing
Scientific NameOrnithoptera euphorion
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)150
Primary Colorsblack, yellow, green, red
HabitatTropical rainforests
Geographic RangeNortheastern Queensland, Australia
Host PlantsAristolochia tagala, Aristolochia acuminata
Flight PeriodAll year round
Flight Stylesoaring
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants of the *Aristolochia* genus. The larvae are black with red tubercles and feed on the leaves, eventually pupating into green or brown chrysalises that blend with foliage.
Identification TipsKey features include its impressive size, the vibrant iridescent green/blue of the male's hindwings or the bright yellow with black veins of the female's hindwings, and the characteristic red markings on a black body. Its restricted natural range to tropical Queensland, Australia, is also a strong indicator.
Description
A very large and striking butterfly from northeastern Queensland, Australia, known for its sexual dimorphism. Males feature iridescent green and blue on their hindwings, while females are larger with black forewings spotted with yellow and bright yellow hindwings with black veins, both sexes having a black body with red markings.
