Southern Birdwing: India's second-largest butterfly species

Discovery and Significance

• India's second-largest butterfly species, the Southern Birdwing (Troides minos), spotted in Madurai, Tamil Nadu

• Found on the satellite campus of The American College between Chathirapatti and Kadavur on New Natham Highway

• Sighting highlights changing movements of butterfly species in the region

• Previously thought to inhabit only the Western Ghats

• First observed in the Azahagar hills near Madurai in 2014 by researchers from The American College

• September marks the migration season for butterflies, including the Southern Birdwing

• Sighting may be linked to the species' search for suitable breeding grounds

• Also common in areas like the Sirumalai Hills near Dindigul, Tamil Nadu

Characteristics and Habitat

• Belongs to the family of Swallowtail butterflies

• Endemic to Southern India

• Its wingspan is 140-190 mm, making it the second-largest butterfly in India

• IUCN Status Least Concern

• Initially considered a subspecies of the Common Birdwing, now recognized as a distinct species

• Distribution Primarily found in the Western Ghats and some parts of the Eastern Ghats

• Common in Karnataka (state butterfly), Kerala, and southern Maharashtra; less common in Goa

• Habitat ranges from lowland evergreen forests to mixed deciduous forests, dry scrublands, and agricultural fields

• Recorded at altitudes up to 910 meters in the Western Ghats

• Most active during early morning and late evening

• Feeds on nectar from Lantana, Mussaenda, Ixora, and other domestic plants

• Strong and determined flier, capable of covering large distances

• Males are known for bright yellow and black colors, and females are larger with more muted tones

• Prefers areas close to water, such as rivers and streams in the Western Ghats

Comparison with Golden Birdwing

• The Southern Birdwing was once considered India's largest butterfly. In 2020, surpassed by the Golden Birdwing (Troides aeacus) with a wingspan of 194 mm

• Golden Birdwing, primarily found in the Himalayan region

• Both species have larger females than males, a common trait among butterflies

• Southern birdwing distribution South India, parts of Sri Lanka

• Golden birdwing distribution in India, Southeast Asia, parts of Malaysia, and Indonesia

• Male southern birdwing Black with yellow bands and white spots on wings

• Male golden birdwing, yellow with black bands and a prominent golden hue

• The female southern birdwing is larger than males and yellow with black borders

• Female golden birdwing yellow with black and golden markings, more vivid coloration

• Southern Birdwing flight pattern fast and erratic

• Golden Birdwing flight pattern slow and gliding

• Both species have "Least Concern" conservation status