The Richmond Birdwing (Ornithoptera richmondia) is a large, vibrant butterfly found in eastern Australia. Sadly, however, this beautiful butterfly is vulnerable and, despite being protected in Queensland, several of its populations have disappeared and its range has severely contracted.
Meet the Bhutan Glories
High up in the wooded mountains of Bhutan flutter two species of swallowtail – the Bhutan Glory and Ludlow’s Bhutan Glory. Both are striking black and white butterflies with vibrant red and yellow markings that give the appearance of eyes.
Meet the Homerus Swallowtail
The Homerus Swallowtail (Papilio homerus) is the largest butterfly in the Americas with a forewing length of about 75 mm. Endemic to Jamaica, this black and yellow butterfly lives in virgin forest on mountain slopes, but loss of its habitat due to expanding agriculture and mining, and over-collecting threaten its future.
Meet the Natewa Swallowtail
Fiji is home to just two species of swallowtail – amongst them the Natewa Swallowtail, a large and elegant black and cream butterfly. The species was first spotted in 2017 by ornithologist Greg Kerr and it was the Swallowtail and Birdwing Butterfly Trust (SBBT) who recognised it as new to science in 2018. Building on […]
Meet the British Swallowtail
Papilio machaon britannicus – Martin Partridge The British Swallowtail Papilio machaon britannicus is a rare subspecies of Swallowtail now confined to the Norfolk Broads, an extensive area of wetlands in East Anglia in the UK. Its caterpillars feed solely on Milk-parsley, which grows in the fens and marshes of the Broads. The only species of […]
