Southern Birdwing

Southern Birdwing Latest News

The rare Southern Birdwing, one of India’s largest butterflies, has been recorded in the Kollapur Range of the  Amrabad Tiger Reserve, marking its first documented sighting in Telangana.

About Southern Birdwing

• The Southern Birdwing, also called the ‘Sahyadri Birdwing’, is a large and striking butterfly endemic to South India, majorly in the Western Ghats. 
• Scientific Name: Troides minos
• It is India’s second largest butterfly species.
• It is the state butterfly of Karnataka.

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Southern Birdwing Habitat and Distribution

• Found up to 3,000 feet (910 m) in the Western Ghats. 
• Found in diverse habitats from lowland evergreen forests near the coast to mixed deciduous forests, dry scrub, and agricultural fields. 

Southern Birdwing Features

• It has a wingspan of 140–190 mm. 
• In adult butterflies, the upper side of the forewing is glossy black with white-bordered veins. 
• The hind wings have a golden yellow colour, with black borders, spots, and veins. 
• In females, the forewings have prominent grey-white vein stripes. On the hind wings, there are rows of large triangular black spots. 
• They are active in the early morning hours. They have a slow flight and usually prefer to fly above the trees. 

Southern Birdwing Conservation Status

It is classified as ‘Least Concern‘ under the IUCN Red List

News: TOI