Southern Birdwing
Common NameSouthern Birdwing
Scientific NameTroides minos
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)150
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsblack, yellow
HabitatTropical evergreen and moist deciduous forests, often near coastal areas
Geographic RangeSouthern India (Western Ghats, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra)
Host PlantsAristolochia indica, Aristolochia tagala
Flight PeriodYear-round, peaking during monsoon and post-monsoon seasons
Flight Stylesoaring
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the host plant. Larvae are dark brown with fleshy spines, feeding on Aristolochia leaves. Pupae are camouflaged, resembling a leaf or twig.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its impressive size, the contrasting black forewings with yellow markings, and the bright yellow hindwings with strong black venation and a black marginal band.
Description
A large and striking butterfly, featuring velvety black forewings with yellow streaks, and bright golden-yellow hindwings prominently veined in black with a black border.
