Ornithoptera euphorion
WINGSPAN 12 to 18cm (4¾ to 7in)
HABITAT Rainforest
DISTRIBUTION North-eastern Australia from Mackay to Cooktown
LIFESPAN 4 to 5 weeks
MALES AND FEMALES The males are green, gold and black; females are larger and black and white with some yellow markings
This giant of the rainforest is the largest native butterfly in Australia. The females are larger than the males, with some reaching a massive 18cm (7in) wingspan. These ingenious butterflies lay their eggs on vines in the rainforest by using receptors in their legs and abdomen to sense the best and most nutritious leaves. Adults mate quickly, with males taking a military-style approach to hunt for females. The mating process can be vigorous, but the females cleverly release a sedative to calm the male’s ardour!