
Source: HINDU
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India’s second largest butterfly species has been found in Madurai district.
Aspect | 
Southern Birdwing | 
Golden Birdwing | 
| 
 India Specific  | 
 The species with a wingspan of 190mm, is India’s 2nd largest butterfly.  | 
 The Himalayan butterfly named Golden Birdwing (Troides Aeacus) with 190-194 mm wingspan is India's largest butterfly.  | 
| 
 Distribution  | 
 South India, parts of Sri Lanka  | 
 India, Southeast Asia, parts of Malaysia and Indonesia  | 
| 
 Male Appearance  | 
 Black with yellow bands and white spots on wings  | 
 Yellow with black bands and a prominent golden hue  | 
| 
 Female Appearance  | 
 Larger than males, yellow with black borders  | 
 Yellow with black and golden markings, more vivid coloration  | 
| 
 Flight Pattern  | 
 Fast and erratic  | 
 Slow and gliding  | 
| 
 Habitat  | 
 Forests, open woodlands, and gardens  | 
 Rainforests and tropical forests  | 
| 
 Conservation Status  | 
 Least Concern  | 
 Least Concern  | 
| 
 Distinctive Features  | 
 Males have a prominent yellow band on forewings  | 
 Males have a striking golden sheen on wings  | 
Sources:
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 PRACTICE QUESTION Q:Recently, for the first time in our country, which of the following States has declared a particular butterfly as State Butterfly? (2016) a) Arunachal Pradesh b) Himachal Pradesh c) Karnataka d) Maharashtra Answer: d Explanation: Maharashtra became the first state in India to declare a state butterfly, choosing the Blue Mormon (Papilio polymnestor).  | 
								
								
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