Goliath Birdwing
Common NameGoliath Birdwing
Scientific NameOrnithoptera goliath
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)250
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsblack, yellow, cream, white
HabitatTropical lowland rainforests
Geographic RangeNew Guinea and surrounding islands
Host PlantsAristolochia schultzei, Aristolochia tagala
Flight PeriodYear-round, with seasonal peaks
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on *Aristolochia* vines; larvae are dark with fleshy spines, feeding on the host plant before pupating into a large chrysalis.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its immense size (especially females), the striking contrast of yellow/cream patches on dark hindwings, and its restricted range to New Guinea and surrounding islands. Males are smaller and exhibit iridescent green and black.
Description
The female Goliath Birdwing is one of the world's largest butterflies, characterized by broad, dark brown forewings with pale spots and large, rounded hindwings displaying prominent yellow or cream patches on a dark background.
