Cairns Birdwing
FamilyPapilionidae
Scientific NameOrnithoptera euphorion
RangeAustralia (NE Queensland)
HabitatTropical rainforest
About the Cairns Birdwing
The largest butterfly in Australia with a 15 cm wingspan. Males are brilliant green and gold. Their caterpillars feed on Aristolochia vines, making them toxic to predators. The first Australian insect to be protected by law. Their range is limited to a small area of tropical Queensland. Males perform elaborate courtship flights. Named after the city of Cairns.
Related Species
Swallowtail (Old World)
One of the most recognized butterflies with distinctive tail-like extensions on ...
Ulysses Butterfly
The iconic butterfly of tropical Queensland, Australia. Their electric blue uppe...
Birdwing (Queen Alexandra)
The largest butterfly in the world, with females reaching 31 cm wingspan. Discov...
Rajah Brooke Birdwing
Named after Sir James Brooke, the White Rajah of Sarawak. Males have spectacular...