Jan 6, 2025
Meet the Queen Alexandra’s birdwing, a butterfly of unparalleled beauty and grandeur. Known as the largest butterfly on Earth, it captivates with its striking colours and distinctive features.
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With an impressive wingspan of up to 30 centimetres, this butterfly stands as the largest of its kind, a true marvel of nature.
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Exclusively found in the rainforests of Papua New Guinea, this rare species thrives in warm, verdant surroundings, highlighting the critical role tropical ecosystems play in supporting unique wildlife.
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The wings of the birdwing shimmer with radiant hues of green, blue, and yellow, creating a breathtaking display that ranks it among the most visually captivating insects.
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Classified as critically endangered due to habitat destruction and overcollection, this butterfly underscores the urgent need for environmental protection to sustain rare species.
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While the adult butterfly feeds primarily on nectar, its larvae rely on the pipevine plant, demonstrating an essential ecological relationship for its survival.
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Living for only about three months as adults, the birdwing’s fleeting existence highlights the fragility and preciousness of this extraordinary species.
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First identified in 1906, the butterfly was named in honour of Queen Alexandra of Denmark, linking its elegance and grandeur to royal heritage.
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With powerful, graceful flight, the birdwing effortlessly navigates the dense rainforests, showcasing its remarkable adaptations to a challenging environment.
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