MALAYSIAN BUTTERFLIES


    Rajah Brooke Birdwing
    Trogonoptera brookiana albescens

          The Rajah Brooke Birdwing is one of Malaysia's most striking butterflies. It was first discovered by AR Wallace in Borneo in 1855 and was named after Rajah Brooke of Sarawak. It is dubbed as the "princess among the butterfly tribes" due to its excellent beauty and elegance.

          It has very long pointed wings. The wings are of deep velvety black with acurved band of spots in metallic green extending across the wings from one tip to the other. Each spot is in the shape of a small triangle.

          On the outer margins of its hind wings there are several white touches which contrast the vivid crimson found on its broad neck collar.

          The Rajah Brooke's Birdwing is strictly a jungle species with the male specimens have a wingspan of between 16 to 18 cm and the females between 17 to 19 cm. The male is seen around waterfalls and wet jungle paths and along streams. The female are rare and found on higher elevations.

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          Malay Lacewing
          Cethosia hypsea hypsina

          One of the most beautiful butterflies of Malaysia. It is usually found amongst flowering plants along jungle paths. The larvae are known to be poisonous, and the butterfly emits an unpleasant odour when squeezed.

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          The Red Helen
          Papilio helenus
          This fine swallowtail is widespread and often abundant throughout its range (from Sri Lanka to China and Timor). In Peninsular Malaysia it is more often encountered in the hills than in coastal areas. The caterpillars feed on plants of the orange family, including Citrus.

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          Smaller Wood Nymph
          Idea jasonial logani
          This beautiful butterfly has a curious, slow, flapping flight. Very similar in overall appearance to the related tree nymphs, or paper butterflies (Idea), these insects feed at the caterpillar stage on plants of the milkweed family.

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          Chocolate Tiger
          This butterfly occurs at moderate altitudes in many parts of Peninsular Malaysia, where it can often be seen feeding at composites and other weedy flowers growing beside roads and tracks. In common with all milkweed butterflies, the males have a pair of reversible brushes, or 'pencils', at the tip of the abdomen, from which they can release scants essential for successful courtship.


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