Home › Insecta › Papilionidae › Rajah Brooke's Birdwing (Trogonoptera brookiana)
SPECIES PROFILE
Rajah Brooke's Birdwing (Trogonoptera brookiana)
Trogonoptera
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Insecta
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Peninsular Malaysia, East Malaysia
DIET
Herbivorous
HABITAT
Rainforests, forest edges
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Arthropoda
CLASS
Insecta
ORDER
Lepidoptera
FAMILY
Papilionidae
GENUS
Trogonoptera
📋 Description
SIZE
15-17 cm wingspan, ~0.02 g
COLORATION
Black wings with green triangles
ADAPTATIONS
Strong flier; long proboscis
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Rainforests, forest edges
DIET
Herbivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Peninsular Malaysia, East Malaysia
REPRODUCTION
Eggs on host plants; larvae in weeks
DIET DETAILS
Nectar
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Habitat loss
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Royal Namesake: Named after Sir James Brooke, the Rajah of Sarawak, this butterfly's emerald wings are a national treasure, featured in Malaysian conservation campaigns. Its dazzling colors attract mates and tourists alike, boosting ecotourism in Kinabalu.
2
Forest Pollinators: By sipping nectar from rainforest flowers, they pollinate plants critical to Malaysia's ecosystems, their long proboscis reaching deep into blooms. Their larvae feed on specific vines, tying their survival to intact forest habitats.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Kinabalu National Park
Taman Negara National Park
Gunung Mulu National Park
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Search flowering plants at midday to spot vibrant green butterflies.
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
April-October. Dry season increases butterfly activity in forest clearings.
