Mating Butterfly, ID please

[Oldman]

Was at the Zoo and saw these two butterflies flirting waited until they mated and was attached to each other for more than an hour. Can someone kindly ID it?

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1216/5160964538_795fd33680.jpg

[Commander]

Zoo's Fragile Forest eh? Previously, they used to import Ornithoptera priamus poseidon. But somehow the male in your shot (the left bugger) doesn't look quite like it. :thinking:

Perhaps Les may offer a suggestion.

[Blue Nawab]

Was at the Zoo and saw these two butterflies flirting waited until they mated and was attached to each other for more than an hour. Can someone kindly ID it?

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1216/5160964538_795fd33680.jpg


Zoo's Fragile Forest eh? Previously, they used to import Ornithoptera priamus poseidon. But somehow the male in your shot (the left bugger) doesn't look quite like it. :thinking:

Perhaps Les may offer a suggestion.

Yes, recently the Zoo's Fragile Forest has imported quite a few species such as Malay Lacewing, Clipper and this Australia Birdwing released only in the Biodome. The picture of the Birdwing looked like Cairns Birdwing (Ornithoptera euphorion) , left is the male (more colours as usual) and the right is the female (less colourful). Also realised the caterpillars can feed on tagala...which they also have it in the zoo...

[Commander]

Thanks for the update, Cher Hern. I recall the last time they bred the Ornithoptera priamus, it lasted 3 generations and the adult butts that eclosed in the successive generations became smaller and smaller.

Actually, all these Birdwings are CITES (http://www.cites.org/eng/disc/what.shtml) protected. I suppose the Zoo must've obtained special permission to import them.

[Oldman]

Thanks Khew no wonder I can't find them in your new book and the Malay Lacewing I shot looks different too.
jw

[Commander]

Thanks Khew no wonder I can't find them in your new book and the Malay Lacewing I shot looks different too.
jw

Haha... yes. These are Australian imports. Can you post the Lacewing for us to see? :)

[Painted Jezebel]

Perhaps Les may offer a suggestion.

Not really, not my forte. I think David would be better placed to assist.

I, too, would like to see the Lacewing.

[Banded Yeoman]

Yes, recently the Zoo's Fragile Forest has imported quite a few species such as Malay Lacewing, Clipper and this Australia Birdwing released only in the Biodome. The picture of the Birdwing looked like Cairns Birdwing (Ornithoptera euphorion) , left is the male (more colours as usual) and the right is the female (less colourful). Also realised the caterpillars can feed on tagala...which they also have it in the zoo...

Cool!:)
Is it fun to work as a volunteer at the zoo?