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Saturday, June 13, 2009

Southern Birdwing

Southern Birdwing, Troides minos
Southern Birdwing, Troides minos by aathiraperinchery

The Southern Birdwing (Troides Minos) is a large and striking Swallowtail butterfly endemic to Peninsular India. With a wingspan of 140-190mm, it is the largest butterfly found in southern India.

It was earlier considered a subspecies of the Common Birdwing (Troides helena) but is now recognised as a valid species.

The species is more common in the Western Ghats, which is a biodiversity hotspot with a high degree of endemism in many taxa. It is much sought after by collectors and is a highlight of many butterfly-tours in the Western Ghats.

Southern Birdwing
Southern Birdwing by AnoopAA

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