2016 $1 Beautiful Butterflies Color $1 PNC Richmond Birdwing

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Butterflies

The Richmond Birdwing (Ornithoptera richmondia) is a visually striking butterfly, endemic to Australia, Listed as Vulnerable in Queensland, the Richmond Birdwing was once found in great numbers from the Mary River Heads in Queensland to the Clarence River in New South Wales and west to the Great Dividing Range.     However, it has since reduced to two populations - one on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland and the other stretching from the Gold Coast and its hinterland to the south-easter New South Wales coost.

Threats to the species include habitat loss and the effects of the non-native weed Dutchman's Pipevine (Aristolochia elegans) The Cairns Birdwing (Ornithoptera euphorion) is found only in coastal and montane rainforest areas of northeast Queensland. The female of the species is the largest butterfly in Australia. 

The male of both species look similar and, when flying above the treetops make for an impressive sight due to their large size, gliding style of flight and descent green and black colouring When at rest males usually keep their wings closed, displaying the spectacular colouring of their underside.