Ulysses Butterfly

SPECIES Ulysses Butterfly
TAXONOMY Papilio ulysses joesa
STATUS Least Concern (ala.org.au); Protected under Australian Law

aka Mountain Blue Butterfly, Ulysses Swallowtail

The Ulysses Butterfly is among the most distinctive and unique species found in the Australian tropical north. From February to May, it can be viewed amongst the flowering plants found below the canopy as far north as Papua New Guinea. The male of the species is smaller than the female, but is a more brilliant blue on the top of the wing with velvety black swallowtails. The female is much larger with a wingspan of 13 cm, with a less intense blue on far less of the inner portions of all wings. She is also recognised by blue crescents towards the leading edge of the hindwings. Both have a similar colouring underwing of a subdued black and brown, which acts as camouflage with wings closed when at rest. The bright blue colouring is easily spotted, so they fly quickly and erratically to protect themselves against predators. 

Primary Larva Food Source

• Corkwood, Pink Doughwood (Melicope elleryana)

Caterpillar

• Shiny green, white blotches, and a slight blue patch visible within each segment.

Chrysalis

• Attached by its tail to a pad of silk

• Girdle around its middle.

• Sometimes green or light brown

• The head has two prominent horns.

Threats
The species is under the watchful eye of the Australian Government and permits are required for breeders. It has suffered from habitat loss, particularly of its primary food source. However, efforts have been made to encourage plantings. In November of 2016, a noticeable decrease of the Ulysses Butterfly occurred in the wild. At the same time, managed breeding programs were experiencing a 0% success rate, down from 90% in past years. There were numerous calls for research funding as the decrease is a strong early warning sign to the possibility of extinction.

Updated 5 May 2021