Birdwing Butterfly
ExploreInsects
Birdwing Butterfly
Ornithoptera alexandrae
The Birdwing Butterfly is one of the largest butterflies in the world! Its colorful wings can be yellow, green, and blue.
Habitat: Rainforests of New Guinea
Appearance
The Queen Alexandra's Birdwing is the world's largest butterfly, with females displaying dark brown wings marked with cream and yellow spots. Males are smaller, showcasing striking iridescent green and blue patterns on velvety black wings, differing from other butterflies with their unique bird-like wing shape.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyPapilionidaeGenusOrnithoptera
Category
InsectsRarity
Rare
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Female Birdwings can grow wings almost a foot wide, much larger than males!
Its spiky, dark caterpillar looks nothing like the stunning adult butterfly!
The Queen Alexandra's Birdwing lays eggs as big as a tiny pearl!
These butterflies are named for their huge, bird-like wings that help them soar high!
Special abilities
Ability
Gliding Mastery
Birdwing Butterfly has an enormous wingspan that allows them to glide with incredible elegance through dense rainforest foliage.
Ability
Toxic Defense
Birdwing Butterfly can deter predators by absorbing toxins from their host plants as larvae, making adults unappetizing if eaten.
Ability
Iridescent Signals
Birdwing Butterfly males have dazzling iridescent green wings that flash in sunlight, attracting mates and warning predators.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 160-310 mm
- Size
- 70-80 mm
- Lifespan
- 60-90 days
- Flight Speed
- 15 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adult Birdwings sip nectar from flowers; caterpillars munch on poisonous vines.
Age differences: Larvae eat leaves of specific toxic vines, while adults drink flower nectar.
Primary Foods
- Nectar
- Aristolochia schlecteri leaves
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
depends on
Sipho vine
Aristolochia schlecteri
Caterpillars feed exclusively on its toxic leaves.
pollinates
China Rose
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Visits flowers for nectar, aiding plant reproduction.
eaten by
Giant Golden Orb Weaver
Nephila pilipes
Can occasionally trap them in its strong golden webs.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Rainforest
This habitat trait refers to species found in tropical rainforests, characterized by high annual rainfall, high biodiversity, and dense tree cover.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Endangered
Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.
Also known as
Queen Alexandra's Birdwing
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Birdwing Butterfly's wingspan?
160-310 mm
How big is Birdwing Butterfly?
70-80 mm
How long does Birdwing Butterfly live?
60-90 days
How fast can Birdwing Butterfly fly?
15 km/h
What does Birdwing Butterfly eat?
Adult Birdwings sip nectar from flowers; caterpillars munch on poisonous vines.
Where is Birdwing Butterfly usually found?
Rainforests of New Guinea
How does Birdwing Butterfly hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Birdwing Butterfly have?
6
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
