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Golden birdwing

Golden birdwing

Troides aeacus

A species of Birdwings

With a life cycle that encompasses a striking transformation, golden birdwing begins as a caterpillar feeding selectively on pipevine hosts, enveloped in a protective cocoon during metamorphosis. As an adult, it flaunts black and yellow wing patterns, which signal a deterring toxicity acquired through its larval diet. These colors not only provide a visual warning to would-be predators but also contribute to the intricate dance of mating rituals amongst their kind.

General Info About Golden birdwing
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Attributes of Golden birdwing
Colors
Black
Yellow
Habitat
forest; shrubland; plantation; garden; urban area
Adult Food Sources
Ixora, lantana, hibiscus, pentas, heptacodium
Larva Food Source
Aristolochia, thottea spp., aristolochia acuminata, aristolochia tagala, aristolochia foveolata
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
The Golden birdwing can induce toxic reactions varying in severity. Nevertheless, these toxins primarily target their prey and predators and are usually not fatal to humans.
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Golden birdwing is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Golden birdwing feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Golden birdwing
It is distributed in East, South, and Southeast Asia.
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Distribution Area of Golden birdwing
Northern India, Nepal, Burma, China, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, peninsular Malaysia, Indonesia
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Appearance of Golden birdwing
Troides aeacus has a wingspan reaching about 15 - 16 cm. In the males the forewings are black, with veins bordered by whitish colour, while the hindwings are bright yellow. The underside of the wings is quite similar to the upside. The females are larger than the males and have dark-brown or black wings. Head, thorax and abdomen of this butterfly are mainly black, with small red patches on the thorax and a yellow underside of the abdomen. Caterpillars are pale brown, with long protrusions resembling thorns.
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How to Identify Golden birdwing?

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Life Cycle of Golden birdwing
Egg The egg stage sees the golden birdwing as a tiny, often spherical object. Color varies, possibly camouflaged. Initial growth involves cell division and the formation of the larval structures within the egg.
Larva As a larva, golden birdwing undergoes several molts, growing significantly in size. Typically a voracious feeder, the caterpillar's shape is cylindrical with distinct color patterns that may change with each instar.
Pupal In the pupa stage, golden birdwing is encased in a chrysalis, undergoing drastic transformation. The body reorganizes completely—shape, size, and color are in flux, preparing for the adult form.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult golden birdwing's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Golden birdwing
15 - 16 cm
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Predators of Golden birdwing Larvae
Arachnids, birds, mammals, insects
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Predators of Adult Golden birdwing
Birds, mammals, reptiles
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Interesting Facts About Golden birdwing
Golden birdwing possess unique osmeteria, special glandular organs that can emit foul-smelling chemicals to deter predators when threatened.
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Scientific Classification of Golden birdwing
Tips for Finding Golden birdwing
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Youth Habitat of Golden birdwing
Tropical Rainforests
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Adult Habitat of Golden birdwing
Tropical Rainforests
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How Can You Attract Golden birdwing
Adult golden birdwing may be attracted using bait such as rotten fruit or sugary substances, due to their dietary preferences.
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Habitat Preferences of Golden birdwing Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of golden birdwing are typically laid on the leaves of host plants, which include citrus species, where they remain until hatching. Caterpillars can be found on these host plants, consuming leaves and growing through several instars. Pupae tend to attach themselves to the stems or leaves of nearby vegetation, camouflaging with the surroundings. To find the different stages, one would look on the host plants for eggs and larvae, while inspecting nearby plants for pupae. Adults inhabit forest clearings and edges, often nectaring at flowers. To locate adult golden birdwing, searching flowering areas in these habitats, especially in sunny spots, would be most fruitful.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Golden birdwing
The best time to find golden birdwing is during warm and sunny days as they are more active when the temperatures are higher.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Golden birdwing
A calm, sunny day is ideal to find golden birdwing as they avoid rain and high winds which make flying difficult for them.
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How and Where Can You Find Golden birdwing at Different Life Stages
Egg Golden birdwing eggs are often laid on the host plants that the caterpillars will eat. Search for these plants and inspect their undersides for small, round eggs.
Larva Golden birdwing caterpillars can be found on or near their food plants. Look for any signs of feeding, like chewed leaves, and search for the caterpillars in the vicinity.
Pupal Golden birdwing pupae are typically attached to twigs or leaves near the ground. Spotting them requires a careful inspection of the plant stems and leaves in areas where the caterpillars were found.
Adult Adult golden birdwing can be observed feeding on nectar from flowers or basking in the sun to warm up their bodies. Find colorful, blooming plants to increase the chances of spotting them.
Are Golden birdwing harmful?
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The golden birdwing can cause toxic reactions with a wide range of severity. However, the toxins are typically targeted at their prey and predators. They are usually not fatal to humans.

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Are Golden birdwing harmful to humans?

Caterpillars and adults of golden birdwing are usually toxic. Its larvae mainly feed on plants of the genus Aristolochia. Aristolochic acid contained in such plants has strong carcinogenicity and nephrotoxicity. The accumulation of toxins may cause adult worms to become poisonous. Ingestion of it may cause harm to the body.
Beneficial Effects of Golden birdwing
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Golden birdwing is drawn to flowers predominantly by their vivid colors. As they feed on nectar, their bodies inadvertently pick up pollen, which gets transferred onto other flowers, aiding in cross-pollination. This incidental contact is crucial for the reproduction of many plant species, making golden birdwing an accidental, yet essential pollinator.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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