Sri Lankan Birdwing
Image: Dayostar (CC0)
Common NameSri Lankan Birdwing
Scientific NameTroides darsius
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)160
Primary Colorsblack, iridescent green, yellow, white
HabitatTropical rainforests, forest edges, gardens
Geographic RangeSri Lanka
Host PlantsAristolochia indica
Flight PeriodYear-round, with peaks after monsoons
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Lifecycle NotesLarvae, like the 3rd instar shown, are black with prominent red, fleshy spines and feed exclusively on the host plant Aristolochia indica. They undergo several instars before pupating.
Identification TipsLook for its immense size, distinctive black and iridescent green/yellow coloration (especially males), and its characteristic soaring flight in the forests of Sri Lanka.
Description
The Sri Lankan Birdwing is a very large butterfly, with males displaying velvety black forewings and iridescent green-yellow hindwings, while females are larger with black and white markings on forewings and yellow hindwings.
