πŸ¦‹ Butterflies & Moths

Ulysses Butterfly

Papilio ulysses

About Ulysses Butterfly

A large swallowtail with electric blue uppersides and cryptic brown undersides. It is an iconic symbol of tropical north Queensland tourism.

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Did You Know?

Males are strongly attracted to anything bright blue, including clothing and car paint.

How to Identify Ulysses Butterfly

Ulysses Butterfly (Papilio ulysses) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Papilionidae. Adults typically measure 10-14 cm wingspan.

Ulysses Butterfly Habitat

Ulysses Butterfly is found in underground habitats, particularly across Australia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Ulysses Butterfly Diet and Feeding

Ulysses Butterfly feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.

Where Is Ulysses Butterfly Found?

Ulysses Butterfly can be found in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, where it inhabits underground environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Ulysses Butterfly can be found

Is Ulysses Butterfly Dangerous?

Ulysses Butterfly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.

Ulysses Butterfly Role in Nature

Ulysses Butterfly plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.

Seasonal Activity

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Ulysses Butterfly

What does Ulysses Butterfly look like?

The Ulysses Butterfly typically measures 10-14 cm wingspan.

Where is Ulysses Butterfly found?

The Ulysses Butterfly is found in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and typically inhabits underground environments.

What does Ulysses Butterfly eat?

The Ulysses Butterfly feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.

Is Ulysses Butterfly dangerous to humans?

The Ulysses Butterfly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.

What is an interesting fact about Ulysses Butterfly?

Males are strongly attracted to anything bright blue, including clothing and car paint.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Ulysses Butterfly (Papilio ulysses). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/ulysses-butterfly

MLA:
"Ulysses Butterfly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/ulysses-butterfly.