The Southern Birdwing (Troides minos) was recorded for the first time in Telangana’s Kollapur Range of Amrabad Tiger Reserve on 26–27 June 2026. The species is one of India’s largest butterflies with a wingspan of 140–190 mm.
Key facts
- Species: Troides minos — Southern or Sahyadri Birdwing.
- First Telangana record: Kollapur Range, Amrabad Tiger Reserve; documented 26–27 June 2026.
- Wingspan: Approximately 140–190 mm.
Distribution & habitat
- Primary range: Western Ghats.
- Occasional range: Reported from parts of the Eastern Ghats; new record extends known distribution into Telangana.
- Habitat: Forested landscapes where larval host plants occur.
Biology & host plants
- Larval host plants: Aristolochia species, notably Aristolochia indica.
- Life-history dependence: Larval development tied to availability of Aristolochia in forest understory.
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- State emblem status: Troides minos is the state butterfly of Karnataka.
- Field documentation date: First Telangana sighting recorded on 26–27 June 2026.
- Survey relevance: New record provides a verified range-extension datum for regional lepidopteran inventories.