*Papilio ulysses*
Wingspan: 10–14 cm
Family: Papilionidae
Conservation: Not Evaluated
Flight Period: Year-round
Caterpillar Host Plants
Rutaceae plants, including *Euodia* and *Melicope* species
Adult Nectar Plants
Lantana, Bougainvillea, Gardenia, and other garden flowers
The Ulysses butterfly is one of Australia’s most iconic and visually striking butterflies. Found in the tropical rainforests of northeastern Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands, it is famous for its brilliant electric-blue wings. Adults are fast, agile fliers that spend much of their time high in the forest canopy, feeding on garden flowers such as lantana and bougainvillea.
Life Cycle & Behavior
- Active year-round in tropical climates.
- Adults are strong, rapid fliers, usually seen flying high in the canopy or along forest edges.
- Males are highly territorial and often patrol sunny gaps and stream courses.
- Adults feed on nectar from cultivated flowers such as lantana, bougainvillea, and gardenia; they do not typically visit rotting fruit or mud.
Host Plants & Habitat
- Larval host plants: Plants in the citrus family (Rutaceae), particularly species of Euodia and Melicope.
- Adult nectar sources: Various garden flowers (lantana, bougainvillea, gardenia, etc.).
- Habitat: Tropical rainforests, coastal forests, and nearby gardens. Distribution includes northeastern Queensland (Australia), New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and eastern Indonesia.
Identification Tips
Bright electric blue upperwings, dark brown underside. Hindwings have tail-like extensions. Belongs to Papilionidae, distinct from Blue Morpho.
Similar Species
*No similar species recorded yet.*
Related Species
* Other species in this family (to be linked manually).