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Southern Birdwing Butterfly Recorded for the First Time in Telangana's Amrabad Tiger Reserve

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On 27 June 2026, the Southern Birdwing butterfly (Troides minos), India’s second-largest butterfly species, was documented for the first time in Telangana, specifically in the Amrabad Tiger Reserve of the Nallamala Hills. This striking butterfly is endemic to South India and predominantly found in the Western Ghats across Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. The species is recognized for its large wingspan (140–190 mm) and distinctive black and yellow wing patterns. Karnataka has designated it as its state butterfly. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the Southern Birdwing as Least Concern, reflecting its relatively stable population and distribution.

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Key Facts

  • Scientific Name: Troides minos
  • Date of Telangana Sighting: 27 June 2026
  • Location: Amrabad Tiger Reserve, Nallamala Hills, Telangana
  • Habitat: Primarily forests of the Western Ghats; recent record in the Eastern Ghats (Amrabad)
  • Wingspan: 140–190 mm; second largest butterfly in India
  • State Butterfly: Karnataka
  • Conservation Status: Least Concern according to IUCN Red List
  • Family: Papilionidae (Swallowtail butterflies)

Background & Context

The Southern Birdwing butterfly is large and striking, belonging to the swallowtail family Papilionidae. It is endemic to southern India and is closely associated with the biodiversity-rich forests of the Western Ghats spanning Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and parts of Maharashtra. It was earlier considered a subspecies of the common birdwing (Troides helena) but is now recognized as a distinct valid species. The 2026 sighting in Telangana’s Amrabad Tiger Reserve, which is part of the Nallamala Hills in the Eastern Ghats, is the first documented record from this region, indicating either an extension of its known range or improved survey efforts in the area.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

This recent sighting updates knowledge about the distribution of an endemic and flagship butterfly species of India, which is significant for competitive exams featuring environmental science, biodiversity, and geography. Candidates should be aware of endemic species, their habitats, conservation status, and new scientific records. Additionally, recognizing state symbols such as Karnataka’s state butterfly enriches cultural and ecological awareness, which is commonly queried in exams like UPSC, State PSCs, and other biodiversity-related assessments.

Points to Remember

  • Species name: Troides minos (Southern Birdwing)
  • Endemism: Endemic to South India, mainly the Western Ghats
  • Significant Record: First documented sighting in Telangana’s Amrabad Tiger Reserve (Eastern Ghats) on 27 June 2026
  • Size: Wingspan between 140 mm and 190 mm, second largest butterfly in India
  • State Symbol: Karnataka’s state butterfly
  • Conservation Status: Least Concern on the IUCN Red List
  • Family: Papilionidae (Swallowtail butterflies)
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