Goliath Birdwing vs Small Copper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Goliath Birdwing Small Copper
Scientific Name Ornithoptera goliath Lycaena phlaeas
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Papilionidae Lycaenidae
Size 150-210 mm wingspan 26-36 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Heathland
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Oceania (Papua New Guinea, Moluccas) Europe, Asia, North Africa, North America
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Goliath Birdwing

One of the largest butterflies in the world, found in the rainforests of Papua New Guinea and nearby islands. Males are brilliantly coloured with green, yellow, and black markings. Females are larger but more subdued in colour.

💡

Did You Know?

Despite its enormous size, the Goliath birdwing is a powerful and graceful flier, often soaring high above the forest canopy.

Small Copper

A vivid little butterfly with burnished copper-orange forewings spotted with black. It is feisty and territorial for its size, frequently chasing other butterflies from its perch.

💡

Did You Know?

Rare aberrant individuals have blue spots on the hindwing and are prized by collectors.