Common Tree Nymph vs Southern Birdwing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Tree Nymph Southern Birdwing
Scientific Name Idea stolli Troides minos
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Nymphalidae Papilionidae
Size 130-170 mm wingspan 140-190 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Borneo, Sulawesi, Philippines, Maluku) South Asia (India, endemic to the Western Ghats)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Common Tree Nymph

A very large butterfly with translucent white wings heavily veined and spotted in black. It flies with a slow, lazy, paper-kite fluttering motion through the forest understory.

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Did You Know?

Its slow, floating flight advertises its toxicity to predators - the caterpillars store alkaloids from their host plants that persist into adulthood.

Southern Birdwing

India's largest butterfly, with a striking black and bright yellow color scheme. Males display velvety black forewings and brilliant golden-yellow hindwings, while females are larger with more subdued markings.

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Did You Know?

The Southern Birdwing is the largest butterfly in India and holds a majestic, soaring flight pattern similar to a bird.