Hyderabad, June 27 (HS): The Southern Birdwing, recognised as India's largest butterfly, has been sighted in Telangana's Amrabad Tiger Reserve, marking what officials described as the first recorded sighting of the species in the state.

According to forest officials, the butterfly was spotted recently by Forest Section Officer Nilesh and biologist Dr Ravikanth during field observations in the tiger reserve.

Primarily found in the Western Ghats, the Southern Birdwing has only occasionally been reported from parts of the Eastern Ghats. Officials said its presence in the Amrabad Tiger Reserve is significant from the perspective of biodiversity conservation and scientific research in Telangana.

Also known as the Sahyadri Birdwing, the species is a large swallowtail butterfly native to southern India and is the State Butterfly of Karnataka. It has a wingspan ranging from about 140 mm to 190 mm.

The butterfly inhabits forests and open woodlands where its larval host plants, particularly species of Aristolochia, are available. Forest officials said the survival of the species depends largely on the availability of suitable habitats and host plants, making habitat conservation crucial for its protection.

The latest sighting is expected to support future biodiversity documentation and conservation efforts in the Amrabad Tiger Reserve.

— HS

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar