Ulysses Butterfly

Ulysses Butterfly Facts

• The magnificent Ulysses Butterfly inspired the country of Australia to name it the official emblem of tourism in Queensland. In fact, the majority of these stunning butterflies inhabit portions of Queensland even though they also live in smaller numbers in other regions as well. 
• The butterfly was once under threat, yet people altered the environmental modification processes that threatened the species so the animal’s numbers have since increased dramatically.

Ulysses Butterfly Description 

The rather gorgeous Ulysses Butterfly remains a large butterfly with a typical wingspan of about 5.5 in (14 cm). The upper sides of the large wings display a bright, iridescent blue in color. Also, the underside generally shows a brown or black shade.

Also, its brilliant color is produced by microscopic scales on the wings in a process popular as structural coloration. The patterns of the female also stay slightly different than those of the male. The brilliant color appears to be useful for attracting males.

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Lepidoptera

Family: Papilionidae

Genus: Papilio

Genus: P. ulysses

Ulysses Butterfly Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The lovely Ulysses Butterfly represents a rather large species of swallowtail butterfly primarily endemic to Australia. Its habitat range also includes rather isolated portions of New Guinea, the Moluccas, the Bismarck Archipelago, and the Solomon Islands, however.

This mesmerizing little beauty typically inhabits regions tropical rainforests. However, it also can be found in small numbers in other habitats.

The larvae of this butterfly also typically feed primarily on varieties of Eurodia and Citrus trees.  Yet the adults feed primarily on the blossoms of the Pink Flowered Doughwood.

Check out our articles on Black Witch Moth, Mitchell’s Satyr Butterfly, Dakota Skipper, Aporia crataegi, Regal Moth, Turnip Moth