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Species of the month

Queen Alexandra's Birdwing

Ornithoptera alexandrae (male specimen depicted above)

Some facts about this giant butterfly:

Average length: 8 cm.
Wingspan: Up to 31 cm for females and 20 cm for males.
Weight: Up to 12 grams.
Life span: About three months.
Feeding: Larvae feed on pipe-vines and adults on flowers.
Protection status: Endangered (IUCN 3.1)
Range: About 100 square kilometres of coastal rainforest near Popondetta, Oro Province, Papua New Guinea.

Ornithoptera alexandrae is the largest butterfly in the world. The female lays about 27 eggs during its entire lifespan. The caterpillars eat the pipe-vine plant, which contains poison, making the butterfly toxic to predators. Males are strongly territorial and will chase potential rivals, and sometimes small birds as well. It is named in honour of Queen Alexandra, wife of King Edward VII of the United Kingdom.