·        Subtropical Rain Forests in Richmond Valley, near Byron Bay,  NSW north of Clarence river to Maryborough, SE. QLD.

Subtropical rainforest habitat

·      Clearing of vines and rainforest by humans is threatening survival of this Butterfly. Two thirds of habitat has been cleared.

·        People sometimes plant Brazilian Dutchman’s pipe vine [Arisolochia Elegansit] in their gardens.  This is related to  Birdwing vine, but  poisons caterpillars.

·       Butterfly’s get tricked.Instead of laying their eggs on Richmond Birdwing vine they may accidentally lay their eggs on  Brazilian Dutchman’s pipe vine. When eggs hatch and baby caterpillars eat leaves of Brazilian vine, they die.

http://www.schools.ash.org.au/inglss/program2.htm

Where the Richmond Birdwing Butterflies live in QLD

Big threat to Richmond Birdwing butterflies.