Tithonus Birdwing female

Description:

Ornithoptera tithonus belongs to the family PAPILIONIDAE (Swallowtail butterflies) and is endemic to West Papua (previously Irian Jaya) the western half of New Guinea. Like all other birdwing butterflies, it is a strictly protected species. Birdwing's wingspan can be 6 -8 inches, 15-21cms across, with the females larger than the male. The female covers the upper range of the wingspan. It is significantly larger than the male. The basic colour of the female is dark brown. At the outer edge and in the middle of the wing there are some white spots. On the hindwings there is a big white area. The outer edge of the white area is yellow. Between the white part and the yellow part there is a chain of black spots. The ventral/under side of the wings has more intense colouration.

Habitat:

High altitude, primary montane forest. Seen in the Arfak Mountains of West Papua.

Notes:

Ornithoptera tithonus is, like all other birdwing butterflies, a strictly protected species.