Butterfly populations are a very good indicator of the health of an area's ecosystem !!

Also known as the Cape York Birdwing, Priam's Birdwing, Northern Birdwing or New Guinea Birdwing.

   The females of this species, as is often the case, are larger than the males.

   This species has a strong erratic flight pattern.

   Also, because the diet of their caterpillars is toxic, and they, as butterflies, have bold patterns which predators recognize as belonging to poisonous prey, they are protected to a degree, from predation.

* All Birdwings are now listed by CITES, (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) thereby limiting  international trade.

Avg. wing span: 18 - 22cm / 7 3/32 - 8 2/3"

The single biggest threat to butterfly survival is habitat destruction!!