Common Birdwing
Image: Derk29 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameCommon Birdwing
Scientific NameTroides helena
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)150
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsblack, yellow, white, red
HabitatTropical rainforests, forest edges, plantations, gardens
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, China
Host PlantsAristolochia tagala, Aristolochia indica, Aristolochia foveolata
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the leaves of *Aristolochia* host plants. Larvae are dark with fleshy spines, feeding on the toxic host plants to sequester defensive compounds. Pupae are typically green or brown, camouflaged to resemble a leaf or twig.
Identification TipsKey features for identification include its impressive size, the contrasting black forewings with white streaks, bright yellow hindwings with black veins, and the characteristic red patch on the thorax. Males typically have brighter yellow hindwings than females.
Description
A large and striking butterfly featuring velvety black forewings with prominent white or cream streaks, and brilliant golden-yellow hindwings marked with black veins and a black border. Its head and thorax are black, adorned with a distinctive red 'collar'.
