Common Birdwing (Troides darsius)

Common Birdwing Common Birdwing Common Birdwing

The Common Birdwing (Troides darsius) is Sri Lanka’s largest butterfly and one of the most spectacular species in the Papilionidae family. It is endemic to Sri Lanka and is considered the national butterfly of the country due to its striking appearance and graceful flight.

Characteristics:

  • Large-sized butterfly with a wingspan of 140–190 mm, making it the biggest butterfly in Sri Lanka.
  • Males have black forewings with fine white streaks and bright yellow hindwings with black borders.
  • Females are larger, with broader black markings and less vibrant yellow coloration.
  • The body is black with red markings, a feature common in toxic butterflies as a warning to predators.
  • Slow and elegant flight, often seen gliding through forests and gardens.

    • Habitat & Distribution:

  • Endemic to Sri Lanka, mainly found in the wet-zone rainforests and lowland forests.
  • Prefers undisturbed forests, riverbanks, and well-vegetated home gardens.
  • Often seen at higher elevations, such as Sinharaja Rainforest, Kitulgala, and the Knuckles Mountain Range.

    • Behavior & Ecology:

  • Feeds on nectar from flowering plants, especially Lantana, Ixora, and Hibiscus.
  • Toxic to predators due to feeding on Aristolochia (Dutchman's Pipe) plants, which contain harmful alkaloids.
  • Caterpillars are black with red spines, making them unappealing to predators.
  • Usually seen flying high above tree canopies but occasionally descends to flowers and host plants.
  • Males are territorial and often patrol specific areas, chasing away intruders.
    • Common Birdwing Common Birdwing Common Birdwing

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