Common Birdwing
Common NameCommon Birdwing
Scientific NameTroides helena
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)150
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsblack, yellow, gold
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, open woodlands, plantations
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia, including parts of India, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines
Host PlantsAristolochia tagala, Aristolochia indica, Aristolochia foveolata
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical climates, with peaks during monsoon seasons
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed exclusively on toxic Aristolochia vines, sequestering the plant's toxins to become unpalatable to predators. The pupa is typically green or brown, camouflaged as a leaf or twig.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its impressive size, the stark contrast between its black forewings and bright yellow, heavily black-veined hindwings. Males have brighter yellow and more extensive black on forewings than females.
Description
A very large and striking butterfly with velvety black forewings, often with golden-yellow markings, and bright sulfur-yellow hindwings prominently veined in black with a black marginal band.
