Northern Birdwing
Ornithoptera priamus
Also called Cairns Birdwing, Cape York Birdwing, Cooktown Birdwing, New Guinea Birdwing, Priam's Birdwing
The Northern Birdwing (Ornithoptera priamus) is a butterfly found in Australia, in the family Papilionidae, the swallowtails and birdwings. This site lists 4 subspecies: Ornithoptera priamus euphorion, Ornithoptera priamus macalpinei, Ornithoptera priamus poseidon and Ornithoptera priamus pronomus. Its caterpillars are known to feed on 9 plants, including Aristolochia chalmersii, Aristolochia tagala and Aristolochia thozetii. This page has 15 photos of its life cycle (eggs, early instar caterpillars, final instar caterpillars, pupae and adults) by Bob Miller.
Subspecies
- Ornithoptera priamus euphorion 11 photos
- Ornithoptera priamus macalpinei 4 photos
- Ornithoptera priamus poseidon no photos yet
- Ornithoptera priamus pronomus no photos yet
Life cycle of Ornithoptera priamus euphorion
Northern Birdwing eggs
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Egg
Northern Birdwing caterpillars (early instar)
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Northern Birdwing caterpillars (final instar)
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Northern Birdwing pupae
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Northern Birdwing adults
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Male, underside
Life cycle of Ornithoptera priamus macalpinei
Northern Birdwing caterpillars (early instar)
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Side view -
Top view
Northern Birdwing caterpillars (final instar)
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Side view -
Top view
Photos by Bob Miller. Free to use for any purpose (CC0). Select a photo to enlarge it or download the original. Using these photos. Add your own photo of this butterfly.
Caterpillar food plants
9 known food plants.