Queen Alexandra's birdwing (Ornithoptera alexandrae) is a species of butterfly that is known for being the largest butterfly in the world. Here are some detailed facts and information about Queen Alexandra's birdwing: 1. Discovery: Queen Alexandra's birdwing was discovered in 1906 by Albert Stewart Meek, an English naturalist, in Papua New Guinea. It was named after Alexandra of Denmark, who was the queen consort of King Edward VII of the United Kingdom at the time. 2. Size: Queen Alexandra's birdwing has a wingspan that can reach up to 11 inches (28 centimeters), making it the largest butterfly species in the world. The females are generally larger than the males. 3. Coloration: The wings of Queen Alexandra's birdwing are a striking combination of black, green, and yellow colors. The females have broader wings with more vibrant colors, while the males have narrower wings with more subdued colors. 4. Habitat: Queen Alexandra's birdwing is native to the rainforests of Papua New Guinea, where it is found in mountainous regions with abundant vegetation. It is known to inhabit primary and secondary forests at elevations between 300 and 1,000 meters.

5. Diet: As with other butterfly species, Queen Alexandra's birdwing feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. The caterpillars of this species feed on the leaves of various plants, including the Dutchman's pipevine (Aristolochia tagala). 6. Conservation Status: Queen Alexandra's birdwing is classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss, deforestation, and collection for the illegal wildlife trade. Conservation efforts are in place to protect its habitat and ensure its survival in the wild. 7. Protection: The trade of Queen Alexandra's birdwing is regulated under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which restricts its commercial trade to prevent overexploitation. 8. Captive Breeding: Efforts are being made to conserve Queen Alexandra's birdwing through captive breeding programs in zoos and conservation centers. These programs aim to increase the population of this species and release individuals back into the wild to bolster wild populations.