Is the Cairns Birdwing butterfly poisonous?
Is the Cairns Birdwing butterfly poisonous?
The newly emerged Cairns Birdwing Butterfly in the rainforest. The leaves of the Aristolochia vine is poisonous and though nutritious for the Birdwing caterpillar, is deadly to many other caterpillars.
What is the biggest butterfly ever?
Queen Alexandra’s birdwing
Biggest butterfly: Queen Alexandra’s birdwing (Ornithoptera alexandrae) Female Queen Alexandra’s birdwings are the biggest butterflies in the world, boasting a wingspan of around 27 centimetres. The endangered species lives in the rainforests of northern Papua New Guinea and plays an important role in the ecosystem.
What do Cairns Birdwing butterflies eat?
Cairns Birdwing Butterfly (Ornithoptera euphorion) The Cairns Birdwing relies on the native vine Aristolochia tagala as one of only two food sources for its caterpillars. The caterpillars store the toxins in the vine’s leaves to use for defence against predators.
Are Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing poisonous?
Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing Caterpillar (Larva) The Queen Alexandra’s birdwing caterpillar is large and black, with rows of red spikes running along its back. A yellow band runs across its back. The vines on which the caterpillar feeds are poisonous to vertebrates.
How long does it take for a Cairns Birdwing butterfly to hatch?
between one and six months
When the caterpillar has grown to maturity it will crawl away to a nearby plant and metamorphosis into a chrysalis. Depending on the species of the butterfly and the time of the year it will take between one and six months before it hatches into a butterfly.
How do you attract Ulysses butterflies?
Planting a garden that attracts these glorious butterflies is an investment in hours of joy. Native plants that attract them include Geijera species and Halfordia kendack. Exotic shrubs such as the Ixora are also successful. The Ulysses is attracted by red and pink and can often be seen feeding on the Ixora.
What’s the rarest butterfly in the world?
| The very rarest butterflies | |
|---|---|
| Lotis blue | Lycaeides argyrognomon lotis |
| Schaus swallowtail | Heraclides aristodemus ponceanus |
| Lange’s metalmark | Apodemia mormo langei |
| Palos Verdes blue | Glaucopsyche lygdamus palosverdesensis |
What is the most expensive butterfly?
| Queen Alexandra’s birdwing | |
|---|---|
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Papilionidae |
| Genus: | Ornithoptera |
| Subgenus: | Straatmana Deslisle, 2007 |
How long does it take for a Cairns Birdwing Butterfly to hatch?
Can a Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing fly?
Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing butterflies are very strong fliers and fly high up in the forests. Females’ bodies are 3 inches long and have a wingspan of 10 inches. Queen Alexandra’s Birdwings are diurnal or active during the day.
Where does the butterfly vine Birdwing grow?
The vine’s habitat, lowland subtropical rainforest, is listed federally as Critically Endangered. Subtropical rainforests on the eastern coast and lower ranges (<600 m), with plant communities on nutrient-rich volcanic, alluvial or, uncommonly, sandy soils. The related mountain butterfly vine (P.
Why is it called Ulysses butterfly?
The Ulysses Butterfly got its name from the Greek legends. Ulysses was the Greek hero of the epic Odyssey written by Homer and its central character. The Greek word is Odysseus for the Roman Ulysses. This butterfly is very attractive due to the striking blue colors of their wings.
