India’s second-largest butterfly, the Southern Birdwing, was recently spotted at The American College’s satellite campus in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. This sighting highlights changes in the movement of butterfly species in the region.

About the Southern Birdwing

The Southern Birdwing was once the largest butterfly in India, with a wingspan of 190 mm. However, in 2020, it was overtaken by the Golden Birdwing, which has a wingspan of 194 mm, according to British researcher Brigadier William Harry Evans. Southern Birdwings prefer habitats near water, such as rivers and streams in the Western Ghats. Male butterflies are known for their striking yellow and black colors, while females are larger and have more subdued tones. The butterfly feeds on nectar from flowers like Bougainvillea and is the state butterfly of Tamil Nadu. Its presence reflects good ecological health and emphasizes the importance of preserving diverse environments.

In both the Southern and Golden Birdwing species, females are typically larger than males, a common trait among butterflies that affects mating behavior.

Where Are These Butterflies Found?

The Golden Birdwing is mostly found in the Himalayan region, while the Southern Birdwing lives primarily in the Western and Eastern Ghats, which are mountain ranges in southern India. The Southern Birdwing was first spotted in the Azahagar hills near Madurai in 2014 by researchers from The American College.

Conservation Status

Both the Southern and Golden Birdwing butterflies are classified as “least concern” regarding extinction risk. However, they play an essential role in their ecosystems by helping pollinate plants and flowers, which supports biodiversity.

September marks the migration season for butterflies, including the Southern Birdwing. The recent sighting in Madurai may be related to the species looking for suitable breeding grounds. The butterfly is also commonly seen in the Sirumalai hills near Dindigul, Tamil Nadu.