Troides minos, the southern birdwing, also called Sahyadri birdwing is a large and striking species of swallowtail butterfly.
* It is the state butterfly of Karnataka, India as it primarily holds the colours of the state flag.
* ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ರಾಜ್ಯದ ಅಧಿಕೃತ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಪಾತರಗಿತ್ತಿ/ಚಿಟ್ಟೆ.
* It is endemic to southern India.
* It is the second largest butterfly of India.
* It is more common in the Western Ghats of southern India.
* It is much sought after by collectors and is a highlight of many butterfly tours in the Western Ghats.
* Active during early morning hours and covers very large distances before settling.
* The only food source is nectar, and the host plant toxins sequestered by the butterfly during its larval stage make it unpalatable to predators.
* Its flight and bright colouration advertise its unpalatability.
* It is listed as Least Concern in the IUCN Red List.
Shot In Coorg, October 2026 | By Dr.Bishan Monnappa ©
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