Insect · GBIF taxon 1937514
Rajah Brooke's Birdwing
Trogonoptera brookianaAlso known as Rajah Brooke
These striking, electric-green and velvety-black butterflies are famous for their dramatic wing patterns resembling stylized feathers. Males gather in large, spectacular aggregations along muddy riverbanks and hot springs to sip mineral-rich water, while the larger, more elusive females spend most of their lives high in the rainforest canopy. As the national butterfly of Malaysia, they serve as a flagship species for the conservation of Southeast Asia's pristine primary rainforests.
TropicalProtectedDiurnal
1 / 6—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Bauhinia nectar
- Aristolochia leaves
- Mineral-rich water
Predators
- Birds
- Spiders
- Mantises
ThreatsHabitat loss from deforestation, agricultural expansion, and illegal poaching for the insect trade.
HabitatsPrimary lowland and montane rainforests, often near rivers and hot springs.
Life spanApproximately 3 to 4 months as adults.
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPapilionidae
- SpeciesTrogonoptera brookiana
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- What to notice
- Recognizable by the electric-green, tooth-like markings running along the velvety black forewings.
- Support conservation
- Never capture or handle wild specimens; support local conservation by photographing them from a distance.
Responsible observation
- Look near water: Search for males puddling on damp sand or near hot springs in the early morning.
- Scan the canopy: Look high in the forest layers to spot the elusive, less colorful females.
- Observe quietly: Approach puddling groups slowly to avoid startling them into flight.
Close Relative (c) Steve, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative 
Close Relative (c) Roger Rittmaster, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Roger Rittmaster · cc-by
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.