Wallace's Golden Birdwing
Common NameWallace's Golden Birdwing
Scientific NameOrnithoptera croesus
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)190
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsgolden-orange, black, yellow
HabitatTropical lowland rainforests, forest edges
Geographic RangeNorth Maluku islands of Indonesia (e.g., Bacan, Halmahera, Morotai)
Host PlantsAristolochia tagala, Aristolochia zippeliana
Flight PeriodYear-round
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on Aristolochia host plants; larvae feed on the leaves, pupate into a chrysalis, and emerge as adults.
Identification TipsMales are easily identified by their unique, intense golden-orange coloration on the forewings. Females are larger and less brightly colored but still distinctive for their size and wing shape.
Description
A very large and striking birdwing butterfly, males feature brilliant, iridescent golden-orange forewings and black hindwings, while females are larger with more muted yellow-brown and black patterns.
