Queen alexandra birdwing butterfly size

It is found in the tropical rainforests of Papua New Guinea. Working for a rich collector, Meek collected the first specimen by shooting it.

Queen alexandra's birdwing caterpillar

You can see the difference in size and appearance between the male and female in the picture below:. There are several other species of birdwing butterfly; all are large with brightly-colored males. Check on a ruler to see how large that is! You can zoom out to see where the island of New Guinea is:. New Guinea is a large island to the north of Australia.

It will only eat from 2 or 3 species of the tough-leaved and woody Aristolochia vines. The males are highly territorial, and will see off any other males who venture into their territory. A male will hover over a female, and shower her with pheromones special chemicals. If she is receptive to his advances they will mate. It is fixed onto the underside of a leaf with an orange adhesive substance.

The eggs hatch after 11 to 13 days. A yellow band runs across its back. The vines on which the caterpillar feeds are poisonous to vertebrates. This makes it poisonous to other animals. It attaches itself to a leaf or stem and forms a pale brown chrysalis.