Wallace's Golden Birdwing
Image: Sourabh.biswas003 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameWallace's Golden Birdwing
Scientific NameOrnithoptera croesus
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)160
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsblack, golden-orange
HabitatTropical lowland rainforests
Geographic RangeBacan Island, North Maluku, Indonesia
Host PlantsAristolochia gaudichaudii, Aristolochia tagala
Flight PeriodYear-round
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on *Aristolochia* host plants. Larvae are dark with fleshy spines, feeding on the leaves before pupating into a chrysalis.
Identification TipsMales are easily identified by their immense size, velvety black forewings, and striking golden-orange hindwings. Females are larger but duller brown with cream markings.
Description
A very large butterfly, males feature velvety black forewings and brilliant golden-orange hindwings with black veins and a black margin.
