Southern Birdwing Spotted in Telangana

The Southern Birdwing, scientifically named Troides minos, was recorded in Telangana’s Amrabad Tiger Reserve on 27 June 2026. The species is endemic to South India and is associated mainly with the Western Ghats.

Taxonomy and Distribution

The Southern Birdwing belongs to the family Papilionidae, which includes swallowtail butterflies. It is known as the Sahyadri Birdwing and occurs in forested habitats of the Western Ghats in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and parts of Maharashtra.

Identification and Status

The Southern Birdwing is India’s second-largest butterfly and is recognised as the state butterfly of Karnataka. Its wingspan is among the largest in Indian butterflies, and the species is known for its black wings with yellow markings.

Conservation Status

The International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies the Southern Birdwing as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This category is used for species with a wide distribution or stable populations under current assessment criteria.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Southern Birdwing is India’s largest butterfly species.
• Troides minos is the scientific name of the Southern Birdwing.
• The species is endemic to South India and is linked to the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot.
• Karnataka has declared the Southern Birdwing as its state butterfly.

Recent Record in Telangana

The 27 June 2026 sighting in Amrabad Tiger Reserve is the first documented record of the Southern Birdwing in Telangana. Amrabad Tiger Reserve is located in the Nallamala Hills and forms part of the Eastern Ghats landscape in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.