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Southern Birdwing: India's second-largest butterfly species

The Southern Birdwing, India's second-largest butterfly species, has been spotted in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, on the satellite campus of The American College.

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

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